Rotator Cuff Pain Treatment
Whether the pain comes on suddenly after an obvious injury or accident, or grows slowing over time, rotator cuff pain can be debilitating. Injury to the rotator cuff makes it difficult to perform everyday tasks, care for family members and even do your job. If you are suffering from this condition, medical treatment is available to help relieve the pain.
Causes of Pain
Damage or injury to the rotator cuff is the most common cause of pain in the shoulder. The rotator cuff is the name given to the four tendons responsible for keeping the shoulder joint stable. These tendons can be injured from a trauma, such as an impact during sports or a car accident. The rotator cuff can also become inflamed due to degenerative conditions such as tendonitis, arthritis or bursitis in the shoulder. Overuse of the shoulder joint can also lead to rotator . Treatments vary, depending on the cause.
Diagnoses
Treatment for rotator cuff pain starts with an accurate diagnosis. First, the doctor will have the patient go through a series of maneuvers that are designed to pinpoint the source of the pain. If pain is the only symptom, it is likely caused by inflammation of the tendons. If the arm falls during a maneuver, severe tears are probably present in the tendons. The physician will likely follow the maneuvers with imaging testing. X-rays will be done to rule out bone injuries, and an MRI or anthrogram may be ordered to pinpoint the severity of the damage and choose the best treatment option.
Surgery
Severe rotator cuff injuries, such as tears in the tendons, will be treated with surgery. The physician will suture the torn tendons and allow the area to heal. This can usually be done through arhtroscopic surgery. Another surgical option is subacromial decompression, a procedure that removes a small part of the bone that covers the rotator cuff in order to relieve the pressure and promote healing of inflammation. This procedure is done for severe rotator cuff pain that is not caused by a tear.
Treatments for Mild Pain
Mild rotator cuff pain that is caused by overuse or inflammation is usually first treated with ice and rest. Resting the joint gives it the chance to heal, and ice cuts down on inflammation. To apply ice effectively, place an ice pack on the shoulder and then wrap it with a bandage to keep it in place. This should be done for 15 to 20 minutes, three times a day. Some doctors will prescribe heat after ice, but ice should be used first to reduce inflammation.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen, is another option for treating rotator cuff pain caused by inflammation. This can bring great relief, but patients should only use this treatment option under the advice and oversight of a physician. Taking too much of these medications, even if they are over-the-counter strengths, can lead to stomach ulcers and kidney problems. Patients who have allergies to these medications may get pain relief from traditional pain relievers, like acetaminophen, but these medications will not treat the inflammation that is the physical cause of the pain.
Other Medical Treatments
Sometimes medication does not relieve rotator cuff pain, and these patients can benefit from cortisone or steroid injections at the site of their pain. Patients who have weakness to the shoulder joint after treatment or surgery will usually go through some physical therapy to re-strengthen the joint and avoid further injury in the future. The exercises learned through physical therapy are often continued long after therapy ceases, particularly for those patients who repetitively use that joint, in order to keep another injury from happening.
Alternative Treatments
Some patients will turn to alternative treatments for their pain, rather than medication. If a tear is present, alternative treatments will not help, but for general inflammation, patients may find relief through acupuncture, acupressure, meditation or chiropractic care. Massage can also bring relief to some patients with rotator cuff pain. Insurance typically does not pay for alternative therapies like acupuncture or meditation, but some insurance plans will pay for chiropractic care. Before seeking alternative treatment, patients should make sure there is not a tear or other serious injury to any of the tendons.
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