Can You Heal a Rotator Cuff Injury Without Surgery?

When the muscles and tendons in your shoulder joint become injured or irritated, you may suffer from joint weakness, pain or loss of range of motion. Surgery for rotator cuff injuries is invasive and, in many cases, unnecessary, since the injury can heal naturally with the help of proper exercises and other self-care measures.

Treatment

• Use ice only for the initial 24 hours.

  Rest your injury until the initial pain and swelling have ceased. Use ice only during the first 24 hours and heat three times a day after the first 24 hours.

Drug treatment

• Cortisone shots reduce inflammation.

  A cortisone shot or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen can help reduce swelling, but use caution and ask your doctor if these medications are necessary and safe.

Considerations

• Shoulder tendons are affected by, or can cause, rotator cuff injuries.

  Rotator cuff injuries range from minor inflammation to complete tendon tears. The course of treatment depends on the severity of the injury.

Exercise

• Correct posture is important for healing.

  Avoid strenuous activity while healing and pay attention to proper posture and weight distribution. Do 10 minutes of gentle stretches and strengthening exercises, three times daily.

Expert insight

• Strengthen the shoulder with isometric exercises.

  Edward R. Laskowski, M.D., physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist for the Mayo Clinic, advises doing isometric exercises, which are strengthening exercises in which the joint does not move.