The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach the shoulder blade to the upper arm bone. Rotator cuff tears are common injuries that can cause pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. While surgery may be necessary for severe cases, non-surgical treatments can be effective for mild to moderate tears. In this post, we'll explore some of the non-surgical treatments for rotator cuff tears.
Rest and Ice
Resting the shoulder and applying ice can help reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid activities that aggravate the injury, and apply ice for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility. A physical therapist can develop a personalized treatment plan that includes exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and improve posture. In the setting of full-thickness rotator cuff tears, physical therapy will help to strengthen the muscles around the damaged tendon to help compensate. Physical therapy is also very helpful prior to surgery to make your shoulder as strong as possible. This will help speed up your recovery should you need to have surgery.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections can help reduce pain and inflammation. They can be administered directly into and around the shoulder joint by a healthcare provider. Sometimes these are applied under direct guidance with ultrasound.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
PRP injections use a patient's own blood to promote healing. The blood is processed to concentrate the platelets, which contain growth factors that can help stimulate tissue regeneration. PRP injections are administered directly into and around the shoulder joint.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
ESWT uses shock waves to stimulate healing. This treatment is non-invasive and can be administered in a healthcare provider's office. It may be recommended for patients who have not responded to other non-surgical treatments.
Next Steps
We hope this helped to answer some of your questions about rotator cuff tears. If you're experiencing symptoms of a rotator cuff tear, it's important to seek guidance from a medical professional. Delaying treatment can lead to further injury and potentially more invasive treatment options. If you’d like to schedule a consultation with us, click on the Schedule Consultation button at the top of the screen or give us a call at 303-344-9090 to request an evaluation from Dr. Thon. Thank you for reading and we look forward to helping you achieve life, without injury.