Therapy for a Rotator Cuff Injury

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that helps to stabilize the shoulder and hold the humerus in place. While athletes and active individuals are at risk for rotator cuff damage, most injuries occur as a result of degenerative processes in individuals over the age of 40 years. Therapy for a rotator cuff injury varies with the degree of damage present.

Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Damage

• In addition to cumulative wear and tear, damage to the rotator cuff can result from a single traumatic event, such as a fall. If you injure this area, your symptoms may include shoulder weakness, loss of mobility and pain or tenderness that is more noticeable when you raise arms over your head. You may also feel pain when you reach behind yourself, or pull or lift substantially heavy objects. See your doctor for a proper diagnosis if you experience any of these warning signs.

Treating Rotator Cuff Inflammation

• Your doctor will do a number of tests to assess the extent of your injury. In some cases, damage to your rotator cuff may be limited to simple inflammation. If this is true for you, your treatment will probably include rest and the application of ice packs several times a day, as well the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications, such as aspirin, naproxen (Naprosyn) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil). After two or three days, you may stop applying ice and begin applying heat. Remember to limit individual applications of heat or ice to no more than 20 minutes. In addition to these steps, you will need to at least temporarily suspend any activity that makes your shoulder feel worse.

Treating Partial Tears

• In some cases, you may experience a partial tear of one of your rotator cuff muscles or tendons. In these instances, your treatment will likely include a few additional measures. If your pain is not sufficiently eased by NSAIDs, your doctor may inject a corticosteroid, such as methylprednisolone, directly into your rotator cuff. In many cases, this type of treatment can provide profound relief. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits of corticosteroid and NSAID use. Additionally, your doctor may recommend that you use a sling to help temporarily immobilize your shoulder.

  Healing time for a rotator cuff injury will vary with your age and the severity of damage. Once your injury has healed sufficiently, a physical therapist can assist you in designing a program of exercises to stretch and strengthen your shoulder.

Surgical Options

• Surgery may be required if you experience a substantial or complete tear of a rotator cuff muscle or tendon. Your doctor also may recommend surgery for lesser injuries if you require full shoulder strength for work or athletic activities. Partial tears may be repaired through a process called debridement, in which the rough edges of the affected area are smoothed or trimmed back. Complete tears require surgical re-attachment.

  Recovery rates from rotator cuff surgery are good in all except the worst cases, and physical therapy will greatly enhance the process. Ask your doctor for details about what to expect from rotator cuff surgery.