Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Pain

What Is Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Pain?​

Shoulder pain — particularly when involving the rotator cuff — can severely impact daily life. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable smooth, controlled movement. Over time, repetitive use, sudden injuries, or age-related degeneration can lead to tears and inflammation, resulting in chronic pain and limited mobility. Activities like lifting, reaching, dressing, or even combing your hair can become painful and difficult. At Summit Health Group, we understand the physical and emotional toll this condition can take. That’s why we use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to accurately assess the severity of your injury and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and lifestyle.

Our approach combines proven rehabilitative methods with advanced, minimally invasive therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) to accelerate healing and restore shoulder function. Whether your rotator cuff issue stems from overuse, trauma, or natural wear and tear, early intervention is critical to prevent further damage and improve outcomes. We integrate physical therapy, targeted medications, and when necessary, surgical consultation to ensure comprehensive care. Every patient receives a detailed recovery plan including exercises, lifestyle modifications, and long-term strategies for joint health. At Summit Health Group, we’re committed to helping you move confidently again—free from pain, and with strength and stability restored.

Physiotherapy doing treatment on patient

How Effective Treatments Restore Shoulder Mobility

Managing rotator cuff injuries requires a strategic, multi-phase approach that targets both short-term pain relief and long-term functional recovery. Initial treatment often begins with conservative methods such as rest, cryotherapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Physical therapy is essential in this phase, helping to gradually rebuild shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Supportive techniques like ultrasound and electrotherapy can further accelerate healing and reduce muscle tension. Many patients respond well to this non-surgical route, regaining mobility and returning to daily activities without the need for more invasive interventions.

When conservative care doesn’t provide sufficient relief, more advanced options may be recommended. Minimally invasive procedures — including arthroscopic surgery — allow our specialists to repair damaged tissues with precision, while significantly reducing downtime and scarring. At Summit Health Group, we integrate these advanced techniques with personalized rehabilitation programs to ensure a smooth and successful recovery. Our ultimate goal is not just to eliminate pain, but to fully restore strength, stability, and confidence in your shoulder — so you can return to the activities you love, free from limitation.

Why Trust Our Expertise

Comprehensive Care for Shoulder Pain Relief

  • Personalized Treatment Plans
  • Experienced Orthopedic Specialists
  • Advanced Rehabilitative Techniques
  • Commitment to Patient Care
physical therapist examines shoulder pain

Understanding Shoulder Pain: Causes and Treatments

Shoulder pain — particularly when related to the rotator cuff — can stem from a variety of causes, including repetitive overhead motions, traumatic injuries, or natural degeneration due to aging. These factors can weaken or damage the muscles and tendons that support the shoulder joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Early symptoms often begin subtly, such as a dull ache or limited range of motion, but can worsen over time if not properly treated. Recognizing these signs early is essential for preventing further damage and beginning effective care.

At Summit Health Group, we emphasize a comprehensive, personalized approach to treatment. From conservative options like targeted physical therapy and lifestyle modifications to cutting-edge solutions such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and minimally invasive surgical repair, our goal is to match the right treatment to your specific condition. By identifying the root cause of your pain and offering a range of proven therapies, we empower you to take an active role in your recovery. Our team is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way — helping you achieve lasting relief, restored mobility, and improved quality of life.

Steps to Begin Your Journey

1. Request an Appointment

To schedule any appointment, please submit a request through our website or email us directly at frontdesk@summithealth360.com. A member of our team will contact you to confirm availability and finalize your appointment. Forms are not available online but can be sent by email upon request or completed in-office before your visit.

2. Fill Out Patient Information Forms

After your appointment is scheduled, we’ll gather key details about your medical history, current medications, and lifestyle so our team can prepare for your visit. Forms are not available online; we can email them to you upon request, or you may complete them in-office before your appointment. Providing accurate information helps us tailor your care.

3. Attend Your Scheduled Session

During this session, our health experts review your questionnaire responses, discuss your health objectives, and develop a roadmap for your wellness journey. This is a collaborative effort where every question is addressed, and every concern is taken into account, ensuring a comprehensive and supportive experience.

Patient Testimonials

Genuine Experiences Reflecting Positive Outcomes

I have been a long time patient of Dr. Wilkes and I could not be happier with his level of knowledge and professional manner. He takes his time and really gets to know you and he is always on top of the latest medical advances. Highly recommend Dr. Wilkes and his entire practice. All wonderfully professional and very nice.
 
 
 

— Mary Havens.

When it seems the medical system is so broken these days, Summit has renewed my faith in it. What an incredible staff. I have spent close to 40 hours in the waiting area (while my daughter is undergoing Spravato treatment) – I have never observed such a courteous, friendly and knowledgeable front office staff. Thank you, Summit!!!
 

— cathy clute.

Great place for all your health needs. Carey has helped me so much as my primary care and Shani has helped me so much with my neck and back problems. And probably most importantly they have the best support staff around. Tim, Ryan, Sabrina, Kayla, and the rest are fantastic. Thanks so much summit health team. 🙂
 
 
 

— Alexander Greenwalt.

Our Commitment to Your Recovery

Common Questions on Shoulder Pain and Recovery

Navigating shoulder pain can be daunting. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions to help you understand your condition better and guide you towards effective treatment. Our goal is to provide you with clear, thoughtful answers that empower you to actively participate in the healing process.

What are the common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear?

Common symptoms include a dull ache deep in the shoulder, pain during activities like reaching or combing your hair, and weakness in the arm or shoulder. Many patients also experience discomfort at night, especially when lying on the affected side. These symptoms can gradually worsen if left untreated.

Rotator cuff tears can happen suddenly due to trauma, such as a fall while skiing or lifting something heavy. They can also develop gradually from repetitive overhead motions, aging, or muscle degeneration. Athletes and people with physically demanding jobs are at higher risk.

Initial treatments often include rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases may require surgical repair or even shoulder replacement if the injury is beyond natural healing. At Summit Health Group, we also offer PRP therapy as a regenerative alternative to surgery.

PRP therapy involves extracting a patient’s blood, isolating the platelets, and injecting them into the damaged area of the rotator cuff. These platelets contain growth factors that help repair tissue, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. This minimally invasive procedure supports long-term recovery and improved mobility.

While corticosteroid injections can temporarily reduce pain and inflammation, repeated use may weaken the tendons over time. This can delay healing or even worsen the injury. PRP therapy, by contrast, stimulates tissue repair and offers more sustainable relief.

During your consultation, our specialists review your medical history and perform a physical exam to assess shoulder strength, stability, and range of motion. You’ll have the opportunity to discuss your symptoms and goals. This comprehensive evaluation helps us create a personalized treatment plan.

If you experience persistent shoulder pain, weakness, or limited range of motion that interferes with daily activities, it’s time to seek professional care. Early treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and improve recovery outcomes. Ignoring symptoms may lead to chronic pain or more serious damage.

Yes, many rotator cuff injuries can heal with conservative treatments like physical therapy, PRP injections, and lifestyle adjustments. Non-surgical approaches can be highly effective, especially when the tear is partial or inflammation-based. Surgery is typically reserved for severe or unresponsive cases.

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