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Options for a Torn Shoulder Tendon

A torn shoulder tendon is a condition in which the shoulder tendons are torn. The socket-and-ball structure of the shoulder bones create shoulder and hand flexibility. The rotator cuffs' four muscles and their tendons work to keep the shoulder flexibile. Too much movement on these parts can result in a tear. Tears can result from age, injury, overuse and excessive manual labor. Athletes, especially tennis players, swimmers and volleyball players, are susceptible.

  1. Treatment Options

    • Treatment options broadly fall into non-surgical and surgical categories. Generally, surgery is avoided in older patients because risk factors are greater. In younger people, especially athletes, surgery can be an effective option. In most cases, following a successful surgery and physical therapy, patients can resume activities they were able to do before surgery.

    Non-Surgical Treatment

    • In simple tears, in which there is no damage to a critical structure, a dose of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is sufficient treatment. These include painkillers like ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin. Medications could also be supplemented with ice packs, which must be applied to the shoulder for 20 minutes at a time, until pain subsides.

      Patients must also rest and adjust daily activities that may have lead to the tear. Although strenuous exercise should be avoided, physical therapy is another non-surgical treatment. The aim of physical therapy is to strengthen the shoulder and restore flexibility. This treatment may include range-of-motion exercises and muscle-strengthening exercises, which are done with the help of aids like elastic bands. Depending on the condition, the therapist could also advise electrical stimulation or cold therapy.

    Surgical Treatment

    • Surgery is considered in severe cases when no other line of treatment has worked. The aim is to repair and re-anchor the tendon back to its original position. Surgery usually involves the surgeon cleaning loose tendon fragments; shaving bone or removing any spurs in a procedure known as subacromial smoothing, and sewing the torn edges together. Rest and physical therapy are required in post-surgical care.

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