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Shoulder

Rotator Cuff Tears Non-Surgical Treatment

Can a rotator cuff be treated without surgery?

In some cases, conservative treatment can be considered by patients suffering from a rotator cuff tear. Various factors including the patient’s level of physical activity, type of rotator cuff injury, and size of the rotator cuff tear can influence the success of non-surgical options. Conservative treatment for a rotator cuff tear can be a potentially successful option for patients who do not intend to return to jobs, sports, or activities that include a lot of repetitive overhead motion or strength.

For patients who are candidates for conservative treatment, the focus of care will be on reducing pain, swelling, and inflammation, while also improving overall stability and function of the shoulder. Recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the chosen treatment. With conservative treatments, some individuals may start feeling better within a few weeks, while others may take several months. Conservative treatment will not heal the rotator cuff tear.

Initially following the injury, it’s essential to rest the shoulder and avoid activities that worsen the pain.

Oral anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, such as Meloxicam, Naproxen, Advil, or Ibuprofen, may help to manage the pain and reduce inflammation. Applying ice packs and compression to the shoulder can also help reduce swelling and inflammation. Remember to use a cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin to avoid frostbite.

A structured physical therapy program can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the shoulder and improving overall joint function. It is important to complete any home exercises that your physical therapist provides to you in order to optimize your recovery.

The goal of an intra-articular injection is to manage pain and inflammation of the shoulder. Therefore, injections may be used as a short-term measure to manage these symptoms following an injury. However, it’s crucial to understand receiving an intra-articular injection to the shoulder will delay any surgical intervention for at least 3 months following the administration of the injection.

At a Glance

Dr. Jorge Chahla

  • Triple fellowship-trained sports medicine surgeon
  • Performs over 700 surgeries per year
  • Assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at Rush University
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