Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Richmond, VA: What You Need to Know with Dr. Marion Herring
If you're experiencing shoulder pain, weakness, or limited mobility, there’s a good chance it could be related to a rotator cuff tear. At his Richmond, Virginia clinic, Dr. Marion Herring frequently sees patients dealing with this common but potentially debilitating condition.
Whether it’s caused by repetitive strain, aging, or a sudden injury, rotator cuff damage can severely affect your ability to lift, reach, or perform everyday tasks. In some cases, the tear may be irreparable, leading to chronic pain and dysfunction—but there are effective treatment options available.
What Is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Your rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow smooth movement. A tear can be partial or full-thickness, and symptoms often include:
Pain with overhead movement
Weakness in the shoulder
Difficulty sleeping on the affected side
Decreased range of motion
Dr. Marion Herring always starts with conservative treatments when appropriate, including:
Physical therapy
Cortisone injections
Anti-inflammatory medications
Activity modification
But if pain persists and function continues to decline—especially in cases of irreparable rotator cuff tears—surgical options may be necessary.
When Surgery Is the Best Option
If the rotator cuff is severely damaged and cannot be repaired, Dr. Herring may recommend shoulder replacement surgery. There are two primary types:
1. Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement
This is ideal for patients with shoulder arthritis and a healthy rotator cuff. In this procedure, Dr. Herring replaces the worn-out joint surfaces with a metal ball and a bone-preserving stem on the humerus, along with a socket on the shoulder blade.
Key requirement: The rotator cuff must be intact and functioning well. If the rotator cuff is compromised, this surgery is not recommended.
2. Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
For patients with rotator cuff tears that are not repairable, a reverse shoulder replacement is typically the best solution. In this procedure, the anatomy of the joint is reversed: the ball is placed on the shoulder blade, and the socket is placed on the arm bone (humerus). This configuration allows the deltoid muscle to take over shoulder movement, compensating for the loss of rotator cuff function.
Dr. Herring uses advanced implant systems that allow him to work within the shoulder, preserving any remaining rotator cuff tissue while restoring strength and function.
Choosing Dr. Marion Herring for Rotator Cuff Tear Treatment in Richmond
With years of experience in shoulder surgery and rotator cuff tear repair, Dr. Marion Herring provides customized care based on each patient’s condition, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you’re managing early symptoms or facing a more advanced tear that may require surgery, Dr. Herring ensures you fully understand your options and what recovery will look like.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’ve been diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear or are experiencing ongoing shoulder pain, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and proper care can prevent long-term damage and get you back to doing what you love.
Contact Dr. Marion Herring in Richmond, Virginia today to schedule your shoulder evaluation and take the first step toward recovery.