Expert Rotator Cuff Treatment in St. Louis

Get Back to Pain-Free Movement with Advanced, Personalized Care

“Shoulder pain keeping you from doing what you love? A torn rotator cuff can make simple overhead movements difficult. Dr. Krueger, a dual fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon, specializes in advanced rotator cuff repair techniques to restore strength, stability, and function—so you can get back to living pain-free.”

What is the Rotator Cuff?

The shoulder is ball and socket joint but unlike the hip where the socket is deep. The socket part of the joint is like a golf tee. In addition to the capsule and its ligaments, the rotator cuff stabilizes the ball (i.e., the head) into the socket. It is a collection of muscles, one in the front, one on top, and two in the back.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Tears?

The rotator cuff tears can happen from acute trauma such as a fall, or chronic degenerative.

Extrinsic factors include impingement and repetitive overhead activities.

Chronic degenerative are caused by extrinsic and/or intrinsic factors.

Intrinsic factors include genetics, age, tendon vascularity, and histologic changes.

Signs You May Have a Rotator Cuff Tear

Persistent anterolateral shoulder pain, especially at night

Weakness with overhead activities or reaching out

Radiates down the arm but not past the elbow

Pain that worsens with lifting or reaching

Rotator Cuff Tear Management

Activity modifications: change the way you lift things to avoid loading the rotator cuff

Cortisone Injections: good for temporary relief

Physical therapy: 75% of people with chronic tears treated with PT have less pain

Repair: most acute tears; persistent pain and loss of function despite therapy

Arthroplasty: unrepairable tears and patients with arthritis

Rotator Cuff Repair: What to Expect

Comprehensive Evaluation

Detailed history, physical exam, and imaging (X-ray/MRI) to assess your injury.

Personalized Treatment Plan

Options ranging from conservative therapy to surgical repair.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Outpatient arthroscopic techniques for smaller incisions and quicker recovery.

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Guided physical therapy to restore mobility and strength.

Why Choose Dr. Krueger for Rotator Cuff Repair?

Expert Training

Dual fellowship-trained in sports medicine and orthopedic trauma.

Advanced Techniques

Minimally invasive arthroscopic repairs for faster recovery.

Personalized Care

A treatment plan tailored to your goals and lifestyle.

Comprehensive Approach

From physical therapy to surgery, we guide you every step of the way.

Recommended Resources

AAOS Info: Rotator Cuff Tears

AAOS Info: Rotator Cuff Tears FAQs

“Dr. Krueger has been awesome. In my lifetime, he’s the only doctor I’ve ever had to call me the day after surgery to check on my status. “

D Lewis

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re experiencing shoulder instability, don’t wait to seek expert care. Contact my office today to schedule a consultation and discuss treatment options.