A torn rotator cuff does not always require surgery. Many patients recover completely using nonsurgical treatments. Understanding your treatment options will help you make the best decision for your shoulder health.
In this blog, you will learn about the signs of a rotator cuff tear, as well as the following:
- Physical therapy: Strengthening exercises help most patients recover fully.
- Pain medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Alternative treatments: Injections and rest support natural recovery.
What Are the Signs of a Torn Rotator Cuff?
Recognizing the signs of a torn rotator cuff helps patients seek treatment early. Common symptoms include:
- Shoulder pain: Often felt when raising your arm above your head or when lying on the affected side.
- Popping or clicking sounds: Crackling noises may occur while moving the shoulder.
- Weakness: Difficulty lifting things or raising the arm.
Pain often worsens at night and may wake patients from sleep. Shoulder pain is the primary complaint among rotator cuff patients.
What Nonsurgical Treatments Are Available?
Nonsurgical treatments for rotator cuff tears include physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain, and steroid injections to alleviate discomfort and swelling.
These approaches are often effective for managing symptoms and promoting healing in partial tears.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy represents the most effective nonsurgical treatment for rotator cuff tears. A trained therapist can teach you specific exercises to strengthen your shoulder muscles. These exercises help restore normal movement patterns.
Most patients see improvement within six to twelve weeks of consistent therapy. Your doctor will adjust your program based on your progress and pain level.
Pain Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) reduce swelling and pain caused by a rotator cuff tear. These medications support improved participation in physical therapy exercises.
Your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medications for a torn rotator cuff if the tear is severe. Always follow medication instructions and report any side effects to your doctor.
Rest and Activity Modification
Avoiding activities that worsen your pain allows your rotator cuff to heal naturally. This means limiting overhead movements and heavy lifting temporarily.
Ice packs applied for fifteen to twenty minutes several times daily reduce shoulder inflammation. Heat therapy may help relax tight muscles after the initial shoulder injury period.
Corticosteroid Injections
Steroid injections directly into your shoulder joint provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects. These injections may help alleviate pain for an extended period of time.
Your doctor will typically limit these injections to two or three per year. Too many steroid injections may weaken your tendons over time.
How Long Does Recovery Take with Nonsurgical Treatment?
Recovery time varies depending on tear size and patient factors. Small tears may heal within 6-8 weeks with proper treatment.
Larger tears or those in older patients often take 3-6 months to improve significantly. Consistency with physical therapy speeds up recovery.
When to Consult a Doctor for a Torn Rotator Cuff Injury?
While minor shoulder aches might resolve with rest, certain signs indicate it is time to seek professional medical advice. Getting the right diagnosis quickly is key to proper treatment. You should think about seeing a doctor if you start to notice:
- Pain that lasts more than a week: If your shoulder pain is not improving with self-care, an orthopedic specialist can determine the cause.
- Significant weakness in your arm: An inability to lift objects you could previously lift with ease is a major red flag.
- Symptoms following a specific injury: If your pain started after a fall, a sports injury, or another traumatic event, it is important to have it evaluated for a significant tear.
- Pain that disrupts your sleep or daily activities: When your quality of life is affected, it is time to get help.
An orthopedic specialist will perform a physical exam and evaluate your strength and range of motion. The doctor may order imaging tests like an MRI or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and determine the size and severity of the tear.
When Does Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery Become Necessary?
Rotator cuff repair surgery becomes an option when nonsurgical treatments fail after 3-6 months.
Surgery may be recommended sooner for:
- Complete tears in young, active patients
- Tears caused by acute injuries
- Significant weakness that interferes with daily activities
Your doctor will discuss surgical options with you if nonsurgical treatments do not provide adequate improvement.
Doctor for Torn Rotator Cuff Injuries in Carmel, IN
Nonsurgical treatments successfully heal many rotator cuff tears without requiring surgery. Look for orthopedic specialists who focus on shoulder injuries and offer comprehensive care approaches.
At Total Shoulder in Carmel, IN, our board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializes in both nonsurgical and surgical rotator cuff treatments. We create personalized treatment plans based on your specific needs and lifestyle goals. We offer the latest nonsurgical therapies to help patients avoid surgery whenever possible.
Our experienced physician, Dr. Stephen Jacobsen, uses the latest evidence-based approaches to help you return to your normal activities.
Contact Total Shoulder today at (317) 705-4392 or use our online appointment request form to schedule your consultation and begin your path to recovery.
