What are alternatives to rotator cuff surgery?

Rotator cuff tears are treated without surgery in these ways:

• Undergoing physical or occupational therapy. A skilled therapist assists you with a variety of exercises and stretches to strengthen your shoulder muscles.
• Taking oral medicines.
• Taking a steroid as a pill or an injection.

Can rotator cuff tear get worse?

A rotator cuff tear can get worse without treatment. A complete tear can make it almost impossible to move your arm. Without treatment, you may have chronic shoulder pain and find it very difficult to use the injured arm.

Does a torn rotator cuff cause neck pain?

The rotator cuff develops wear and tear with age, and can be easily injured. When this happens, we compensate by using different muscles to pick things up or reach for them. “This may cause both shoulder and neck pain,” says Dr.

Why surgery isn’t always needed for rotator cuff tears?

Why Surgery Isn’t Always Needed for Rotator Cuff Tears 1 Rotator Cuff Tears. The rotator cuff is the group of muscles and tendons… 2 Tears Are so Common That They’re Normal. The truth is that most people will eventually tear their… 3 Treatment. Treatment of a torn rotator cuff varies depending on the type of injury and the type…

Can rotator cuff damage be reversed without surgery?

You may be able to reverse the early stages of rotator cuff damage without surgery, by: Resting, although gentle movement of the shoulder is advised. Holding your shoulder still for long periods, such as with slings or braces, may cause shoulder stiffness or even a frozen shoulder.

How do I know if I need surgery for my rotator cuff?

Key points to remember. Try using rest, ice and heat, anti-inflammatory medicines, and physical therapy. If you have symptoms that don’t get better after 3 to 6 months, you may need surgery. You may want to think about surgery if you have torn your rotator cuff in a sudden injury and the tear is causing shoulder weakness.

What happens to your rotator cuff when you get older?

As you grow older, there’s a tendency to tear your rotator cuff. This happens as part of the aging process. Just as your skin wrinkles and your hair turns gray, the likelihood of having a rotator cuff tear increases as you grow older.