 |
Most patients with a diagnosed rotator cuff tear will not require surgical treatment. Injuries to the rotator cuff can range from mild tendonitis to a complete tear.
Initial treatment for a rotator cuff injury is rest and anti-inflammatory medication, mainly to control pain. While a true rotator cuff tear will not heal, some partial tears may not significantly disrupt shoulder function and may not require a surgical repair. In cases where the tear is severe, surgery should be considered.
A mild to moderate rotator cuff injury will not require surgery and is commonly treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), ice packs, rest, and activity modification and participation in physical therapy rehabilitation program.
The identification of the activity which caused the injury, and the modification of that activity in the future, will help in the healing as well as the prevention of a more severe tear in the future.
A complete tear in the dominant arm of younger, active patients will probably require surgery. This is because a tear in the rotator cuff will not repair itself.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Rest and Activity Modification: Initial treatment for a rotator cuff injury should begin with and include rest and a reduction in activity. The avoidance of all overhead activities is recommended.
Medication: Over the counter or prescription medications, including NSAIDs will help to reduce the inflammation and swelling of the shoulder muscles.
Cold and Heat: Ice applied to the injured shoulder is an excellent way to reduce inflammation and pain. Alternating between heat and cold, following an initial treatment with just cold, can further help in releaving the pain.
Injections: Moderate to severe cases may be treated with an injection of a corticosteroid into the bursa between the cuff tendon and the acromion bone.
|
|
NSAIDs
NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) are a group of drugs used to control pain. This category of medications includes both prescription and common over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs are effective for many types of pain that can occur because of inflammation of muscles, joints and bones. The drugs work quickly and people often notice some benefit within a few hours of taking the tablet. However, the complete effectiveness of the drug may not be realized for up to four weeks. For each individual, some varieties of NSAIDs are more effective than others. Often, patients will find that one or two varieties are helpful whereas others may not be as effective in controlling symptoms. It is usually necessary to try several brands and continue with the one that is most suitable. NSAIDs can be used to treat:
Pain resulting from inflammation or swelling.
Pain after injury.
Joint pain and arthritis.
|
Hot/Cold Pack
The use of hot and cold packs to relieve pain and inflammation is a common method of treatment for many conditions. When the soft tissue groups become strained or irritated the rotating application of hot and cold can be beneficial.
Cold therapy numbs the nerves to reduce pain and combats swelling by constricting blood vessels and by slowing blood flow to the site of injury. The application of heat to an injury after a few days of cold therapy and after swelling and redness has been reduced promotes the healing process.
Heat therapy speeds up healing by increasing the flow of blood to the site of injury. Heat will also restore flexibility, relieve muscle cramping, and arthritic symptoms.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
| The purpose of surgery is to relieve the symptoms and to repair the injured structure responsible for causing the symptoms. Rotator cuff surgery can be performed either by the traditional "open" procedure or arthroscopically. The surgeon will use either technique to view the shoulder structures and to remove damaged tissue and bone. If a partial or complete tear is identified, the margins of the tear will be re-approximated and sutured together.
|
Hot/Cold Pack
The use of hot and cold packs to relieve pain and inflammation is a common method of treatment for many conditions. When the soft tissue groups become strained or irritated the rotating application of hot and cold can be beneficial.
Cold therapy numbs the nerves to reduce pain and combats swelling by constricting blood vessels and by slowing blood flow to the site of injury. The application of heat to an injury after a few days of cold therapy and after swelling and redness has been reduced promotes the healing process.
Heat therapy speeds up healing by increasing the flow of blood to the site of injury. Heat will also restore flexibility, relieve muscle cramping, and arthritic symptoms.
|
|
|
|
Various types of metal, plastic or absorbable anchors may be utilized to repair a rotator cuff tear.
|
|
| This procedure does not require a transplant or graft. |
About the Review Team
|
|
