Rotator Cuff Injury Treatments

Treatment

The treatment will depend on the extent of your injury, level of pain, and amount of immobility. The first step is usually a nonsurgical approach.

Nonsurgical

Rest—to help the shoulder heal. The doctor may recommend that you wear an arm sling to help rest the shoulder area.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)—to help control the pain if there is inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections—to help reduce swelling and pain.
Ice—to help reduce swelling and pain. Apply ice to shoulder area for 15 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day.
Physical therapy—to help decrease inflammation and restore strength and motion to the shoulder area.

Surgical

Acromioplasty

This involves surgery on the bony structures that impinge the rotator cuff. It can be arthroscopic or open.

Arthroscopy

A small instrument is inserted into the shoulder and used to remove bone spurs or degenerated portions of the rotator cuff tendons. Lesser tears can be repaired during arthroscopy as well.

Mini-Open Repair with Arthroscopy

This combines arthroscopy with an incision in the shoulder joint. Through the incision, the doctor can suture larger tears in the tendons.

Open Surgery

This is used to repair the injured tendon in more severe cases. A tissue transfer or a tendon graft can be done during surgery if the tear is too large to be closed together. In the most severe cases, a joint replacement may be necessary.

Recovery

Depending on the extent of your injury, full recovery can take anywhere from 2 to 6 months, and sometimes longer.

If you are diagnosed with a rotator cuff injury, follow your doctor's instructions .

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.