Rotator cuff injuries are very common, especially among people who use their shoulders a lot. This includes athletes, older adults, and people who lift heavy things for work. If you have pain or weakness in your shoulder, you might have a rotator cuff injury. In Dubai, orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine offer expert care to help you recover and get back to your daily life.

“In this article, we will explain what a rotator cuff injury is, its causes and symptoms, and how Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine, an experienced orthopedic doctor in dubai orthopedic doctor in Dubai, treats it using both non-surgical and surgical methods.”In this article, we will explain what a rotator cuff injury is, its causes and symptoms, and how Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine treats it using both non-surgical and surgical methods.

What Is the Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons in your shoulder. These muscles help you lift your arm and rotate it. They also keep the shoulder joint stable.

The four main muscles in the rotator cuff are:

Supraspinatus

Infraspinatus

Teres Minor

Subscapularis

Together, these muscles make sure your shoulder moves smoothly.

What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

A rotator cuff injury happens when one or more of these muscles or tendons are damaged. The damage can be:

Tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon)

Bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac in the shoulder)

Partial tear (the tendon is damaged but not fully torn)

Complete tear (the tendon is fully torn and may detach from the bone)

Rotator cuff injuries can range from mild to severe. Mild injuries may only cause pain when lifting your arm, while severe injuries can make it hard to move your shoulder at all.

Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Injuries

Rotator cuff injuries can happen suddenly or over time. Common causes include:

1. Overuse
2. People who perform the same shoulder motion over and over—like painters, carpenters, swimmers, and tennis players—can slowly wear down the tendons.
3. Aging
4. As people get older, their tendons become weaker. People over 40 are more likely to have rotator cuff injuries.
5. Injury or Trauma
6. Falling on your shoulder or lifting something heavy suddenly can cause a tear.
7. Poor Posture
8. Bad posture can put pressure on the shoulder muscles, causing long-term damage.

Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury

The symptoms of a rotator cuff injury depend on how serious the injury is. The most common signs include:

Pain when lifting or lowering your arm

Weakness in the shoulder

Trouble sleeping on the affected side

Clicking or popping sounds during movement

Limited range of motion

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to visit an orthopedic surgeon in Dubai like Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine for an accurate diagnosis.

How Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine Diagnoses Rotator Cuff Injuries

When you visit Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine, he will begin with a full check-up of your shoulder. Here’s what you can expect during your visit:

1. Medical History
2. He will ask questions about your symptoms, how the pain started, and your daily activities or sports.
3. Physical Exam
4. Dr. Marouane will move your arm in different ways to check your range of motion and shoulder strength.
5. Imaging Tests
6. To confirm the diagnosis, he may suggest:

X-rays: To rule out bone problems

MRI or ultrasound: To see the soft tissues like tendons and muscles

Once the diagnosis is clear, Dr. Marouane will suggest a treatment plan that suits your needs.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

In many cases, especially for mild or moderate injuries, surgery is not needed. Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine usually starts with non-surgical treatments first. These may include:

1. Rest and Activity Modification
2. Avoid activities that cause shoulder pain. You might need to stop certain sports or heavy lifting for a few weeks.
3. Medications
4. Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Physical Therapy
6. Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments. A trained therapist will guide you through gentle exercises to:

Strengthen shoulder muscles

Improve flexibility

Regain full movement

1. Corticosteroid Injections
2. If the pain is severe, Dr. Marouane may give a steroid injection in the shoulder. This helps reduce inflammation and pain quickly.

When Is Surgery Needed?

Surgery may be needed if:

The tear is large or complete

Non-surgical treatments don’t help after 3–6 months

You are young and active and want full shoulder function

You have severe shoulder weakness or loss of movement

Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine has years of experience in performing shoulder surgeries with excellent results. He uses advanced and minimally invasive techniques to help patients heal faster.

Types of Rotator Cuff Surgery

There are different surgical options depending on the type and size of the tear. Dr. Marouane will choose the best one for your case.

1. Arthroscopic Repair
2. This is a minimally invasive surgery. Small cuts are made, and a tiny camera is inserted to guide the instruments. The torn tendon is reattached to the bone using small anchors and stitches.

Benefits:

Less pain

Smaller scars

Faster recovery

1. Open Surgery
2. For larger tears or complex cases, open surgery may be done. A bigger incision is made to fully see the shoulder structures and repair the tear.
3. Tendon Transfer
4. If the tear is too large to repair, Dr. Marouane may transfer a nearby tendon to replace the damaged one.
5. Shoulder Replacement
6. In very severe cases, especially in older patients with arthritis and massive tears, a shoulder joint replacement may be considered.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery from rotator cuff surgery takes time and patience. Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine and his team will guide you through every step.

1. Immobilization
2. After surgery, your arm may be in a sling for 4–6 weeks to allow healing.
3. Physical Therapy
4. Rehabilitation begins with gentle exercises. As healing progresses, more advanced exercises are added.
5. Pain Management
6. You will receive medications to manage pain and reduce inflammation.
7. Follow-Up Visits
8. Regular checkups are important to make sure your shoulder is healing well.

Full recovery can take 4–6 months, depending on the size of the tear and your overall health.

Why Choose Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine in Dubai?

Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine is a trusted orthopedic surgeon in Dubai who specializes in shoulder injuries and surgeries. Here’s why many patients choose him:

Years of experience treating rotator cuff injuries

Advanced diagnostic tools and modern surgical techniques

Patient-focused care with clear explanations

Customized treatment plans for every patient

Supportive aftercare and rehabilitation programs

His goal is to help you return to a pain-free and active life as soon as possible.

Tips to Prevent Rotator Cuff Injuries

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some simple ways to keep your shoulders healthy:

Warm up before sports or workouts

Strengthen your shoulder and back muscles

Avoid repetitive shoulder movements

Practice good posture

Rest your shoulders when tired or sore

Don’t ignore shoulder pain – treat it early

Final Thoughts

Rotator cuff injuries can be painful and limit your daily life, but with the right care, you can recover fully. Whether your injury is mild or severe, Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine offers expert diagnosis, treatment, and support in Dubai. From simple exercises to advanced surgery, you will receive the best care every step of the way.

If you or a loved one is struggling with shoulder pain, don’t wait. Book an appointment with Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine today and take the first step toward healing your shoulder.