Healing the Rotator Cuff

The rotator cuff is a series of muscles and tendons that cover the top of the shoulder bone, also known as the humerus. These muscles and tendons work together to raise and rotate the arm. They also stabilize the ball of the shoulder within the joint. Pain in the rotator cuff can be caused by tears or overuse. Some symptoms of injury can include pain or weakness when lifting the arm and atrophy of the muscles.

Nonsurgical Methods

• When minor injury or strain occurs in the rotator cuff, your physician may recommend nonsurgical treatment methods. These may include rest and limited activity, which is usually performed in the form of physical therapy. Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid treatments can also help heal the injured area and alleviate the pain. A sling may be used to support the arm to allow for the injury to heal.

Surgery

• If nonsurgical methods do not help relieve the pain of a rotator cuff injury your physician may recommend surgery. You may also need surgery if the injury is new and is causing severe pain that cannot be controlled with medication. Most surgeries are done as an outpatient procedure where the patient is home that same day. Surgery is usually not performed solely as a method of repairing the damage, but to help with the symptoms of pain.

Physical Therapy

• Healing through physical therapy is usually one of the first methods attempted with a rotator cuff injury. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles and prevent surgery, though some physical therapy may also be needed after surgery to help regain full range of motion. The physical therapist provides the patient with resistant exercises that help strengthen the muscles around the injury and within the injury so that the arm and shoulder are better supported. Physical therapy can have the patient back to a full range of motion in a very short time if the patient is dedicated to the treatments.