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Advice for possible RC tear
Hello! I am an OTR who has not worked in almost 10 years. I have a question about a possible rotator cuff tear with my 88 year old grandma. She is in great health and plays golf often during which time she injured her RUE. She was in immense pain and unable to lift her right arm hardly at all. After going to a walk-in clinic out of town she was told she had a possible rotator cuff tear. X ray findings are as follows:
No fracture or malalignment. The joint spaces are preserved. Cluster of calcium hydroxyapatite adjacent to the posterior aspect of the greater tuberosity of the humerus measuring up to 2.6cm in aggregate with additional calcification extending proximally along the course of the infraspinatus tendon. Mild osseous erosion of the adjacent humeral head. Mild glenohumeral and acromioclavicular osteoarthritis.
She is waiting to see an orthopedic specialist in 2 weeks. My question is, am I okay to start her on some light exercises that she can tolerate. I don’t want to make anything worse but I also don’t want her to get weak and lose range in that arm. I am beyond out of practice and I have never really had a patient with a rotator cuff tear. Also worried that it might be best to wait for a more definitive diagnosis. Any suggestions, comments, or advice is greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Given the possible rotator cuff tear and her age, it’s great that you're cautious. While waiting for the orthopedic specialist, it’s generally advisable to avoid any exercises that could strain her shoulder further. Gentle range-of-motion exercises that don’t cause pain might be helpful to maintain mobility, but avoid resistance or heavy stretching until you have a more definitive diagnosis. Applying ice and managing pain with over-the-counter medications could also help. It's best to wait for the specialist's guidance before starting any formal rehabilitation to avoid aggravating the injury.