Victor Buonadonna is familiar with shoulder pain. A decade ago, Victor had surgery on his right rotator cuff. Eventually, pain in both shoulders again limited Victor’s active lifestyle. His family physician referred him to VOA shoulder specialist, Craig Arntz, M.D.
Examination and imaging confirmed Victor’s bilateral shoulder rotator cuff tears.
Normal, healthy rotator cuff tendons rarely tear. Rotator cuff tears often occur with tendons that are weakened from injury, wear, aging, or a combination of these elements.
Many people with rotator cuff tears complain of a pain or weakness, and catching or grinding sensations during movement. The pain is initially mild and only during reaching or lifting activities.
Dr. Arntz explains that rotator cuff tears usually get worse over time. As the tear grows, patients often experience increased pain and disability. The pain can become noticeable at rest or with no activity at all.
In Victor’s case, Dr. Arntz recommended a trial course of non-surgical treatment. Treatments included physical therapy, activity modification, and pain management. Repair was eventually necessary.
Dr. Arntz performed rotator cuff repair surgery on Victor’s left shoulder in May 2008. Victor’s right rotator cuff tear was repaired in November 2008.
After the surgery, Victor’s shoulder was protected with a sling. Dr. Arntz then suggested physical therapy.
By the following April, extended winter weather allowed a pain-free Victor to ski Crystal Mountain and snowshoe Mt. Rainier. In summer, Victor went on a six-mile kayak paddle near Marrowstone Island. He also kayaked around Lopez Island.