How to Heal an Injured Rotary Cuff

The rotary, or rotator, cuff is a group muscles and tendons that help to support the shoulder during movement. When there has been trauma to the shoulder or if there is too much repetitive use of the shoulder, small tears can develop in the tendons causing pain that can hinder daily activity. Healing an injured rotary cuff will require weeks of care, treatment, physical therapy and possibly surgery.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Arm sling
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Heating pad
• Light hand weights

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Instructions

• 1

  Start treating the shoulder when the first signs of an injury are noticed. The sooner you take action to heal the injury, the more success you will have. Stop all activities that are causing pain, such as lifting heavy objects or overhead reaching. Wear a sling to help rest and support the shoulder.

• 2

  Ice the shoulder for the first 48 hours with an ice pack three times per day for 15 to 20 minutes each time. This will help with any swelling. Take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication for the pain. After 48 hours, use a heating pad and alternate your ice treatments with heat 15 to 20 minutes per session. This will draw blood to the area and help promote healing.

• 3

  Start doing stretches for the shoulder once there is no pain. This will keep the joint from becoming stiff. If the stretching does not cause any pain, start doing shoulder exercises to strengthen the muscles of the shoulder. Stretching and exercising is crucial for healing and should be a daily routine. Add light hand weights as the shoulder gets stronger and follow up with icing to prevent any swelling.

• 4

  Make an appointment to consult with an orthopedic doctor if you are still having pain after two weeks. It may be recommended that you have a cortisone injection. This will temporarily reduce any pain and will allow you to continue your strengthening exercises.

• 5

  Consult with your doctor if there is no improvement after two months. Most rotary cuff injuries, if not severe, will heal with these steps and with dedication to a treatment and physical therapy routine. If severe enough, you may need to have surgery.