How to Avoid Rotator Cuff Surgery

Your rotator cuff is not just one muscle. It is actually composed of a group of muscles and tendons, located in each of your shoulders. The job of the rotator cuff muscles is to enable the motion of the shoulder's ball-and-socket joint, as well as to connect the shoulder blade to the bones in the upper arm. Injuries to the rotator cuff can often occur due to repetitive activities, such as heavy lifting. Simple treatment measures can help you avoid the necessity of surgery. However, if the damage is severe, you may be unable to avoid surgery.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Heating pad
• Hot water bottle
• Pain reliever
• Corticosteroid injection

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Instructions

• 1

  Refrain from repeating the activity that injured your shoulder. Resting is the most important step in recovering from this type of injury. If you do not rest your shoulder, you could make your injury worse. Do not lift heavy objects for about a week, until your pain subsides. Avoid any activities that require you to raise your arm above your head.

• 2

  Alternate applying cold and heat to the area. Use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel. Apply it to your shoulder for about 20 minutes, several times per day. This will help relieve both the pain and the inflammation. The Mayo Clinic, recommends using a heat source after about two to three days of using ice. Apply heat for about 20 minutes. You can use a heating pad or a hot water bottle.

• 3

  Stretch your muscles gently after the pain subsides in a day or two. If you completely inhibit your shoulder's movement, you may actually make the injury worse. Stretch your shoulders by rolling them slowly. You can also raise your arms parallel to the floor and move them in slow, circular motions. If you have trouble, a physical therapist can help you.

• 4

  Take an over-the-counter pain reliever to help ease your pain. Ibuprofen, aspirin or naproxen can all help. Whichever drug you choose, carefully follow the dosage instructions. When the pain stops, discontinue taking the medication. Long-term use of pain relievers can lead to stomach irritation.

• 5

  See your doctor if you experience severe pain. Your doctor may administer a corticosteroid injection on your rotator cuff muscles. This can help reduce the inflammation and ease your pain.