| If you have developed pain in your shoulder then you | | | | 3. Steroids - if your rotator cuff injury treatment is |
| may have a problem that requires rotator cuff injury | | | | not helping then your MD may recommend a steroid |
| treatment. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles | | | | injection to provide the relief that you need. These |
| found in your shoulder joint. They are responsible | | | | injections administer the drug directly into the |
| for helping to stabilize the joint and move your arm in | | | | affected area. This direct intervention can provide |
| various directions. Because of their relatively small | | | | fast and lasting relief when done correctly. It does |
| size and the amount of work that they are required | | | | not always work but when it does the results are |
| to do throughout the day they are prone to injury. | | | | amazing. |
| This article will discuss various treatment options | | | | 4. Surgery - if you have a large rotator cuff tear |
| available to you. | | | | that is not responding to conservative measures |
| 1. Home Exercises - minor injuries to the rotator | | | | (those mentioned above) then you may have to |
| cuff can often be managed without any special | | | | consider a surgical repair. These are usually indicated |
| equipment by performing simple exercises at home. | | | | if the tear is causing significant changes to your way |
| These exercises are designed to strengthen the | | | | of life. Meaning you can't perform your job, your |
| affected muscles and to restore normal mechanics of | | | | daily activities, hygiene, hobbies, etc without |
| shoulder movement. These exercises are very | | | | signficant pain or dysfunction. The surgeon will |
| specific and you will need instruction on which ones | | | | consider many factors to determine if you are |
| to perform and how to do them correctly. Home | | | | appropriate for surgery. |
| remedies also include rest and activity modification to | | | | 5. Physical Therapy - this form of treatment |
| protect the inflamed tissues. Ice and heat can be | | | | typically encompasses a structured exercise program |
| helpful in relieving painful symptoms. | | | | in a clinical setting that will help restore strength and |
| 2. Medications - most often when we experience | | | | mobility and relieve your pain. Modalities may be |
| rotator cuff pain we will turn to medications. You | | | | used to help decrease the inflammation and pain as |
| can try over the counter meds and if they are | | | | well. |
| working to relieve your symptoms keep using them. | | | | Rotator cuff injury treatment can be helpful in |
| If your pain is persistent you may need to speak | | | | resolving your pain depending on several factors. |
| with your MD for a stronger prescription. The most | | | | The degree of your injury and length of time you |
| common form of med prescribed is a non-steroidal | | | | have had the problem are factors that will determine |
| antiinflammatory (NSAID). These can reduce pain | | | | what form of treatment will work best for you. |
| and relieve inflammation. | | | | |