Rotator Cuff Tendonitis Treatments

Rest

Avoid activities that cause shoulder pain.

Ice

To control pain and swelling:

• Use for 20 minutes at a time.
• Use during the first 24-48 hours after injury or after exercise.
• Protect your skin by placing a towel between the ice and your skin.

Heat

Heat may relieve pain and is often used before exercises to help with motion:

• Do not use with acute pain or following acute injury.
• Check with a doctor or therapist before using heat the first time.
• Use for 15-20 minutes at a time.
• Protect your skin by placing a towel between the heat source and your skin.

Medication

• Steroid injection into the bursa overlying the rotator cuff to decrease inflammation
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain (eg, aspirin or ibuprofen )
  • Except for range of motion exercises , do not exercise the shoulder for 7-10 days after an injection.

Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles that control the shoulder
• Exercises to maintain normal range of motion
• Exercises for specific muscles that are used in sports or job activities
• Gradual return to sports and work
• Learning how to modify activities to prevent re-injury

Surgery

Different procedures can be used depending on the injury:

• Arthroscopic surgery
• Open technique