Can a Torn Rotator Cuff Heal?
If caught and treated early enough, the rotator cuff can heal. However, waiting too long after an injury to get treatment can result in a more complicated healing plan. When a person first experiences the pain of a torn rotator cuff, overhead movement and lifting of weight should be avoided until a medical professional is consulted. Diagnosis To diagnose a rotator cuff injury, medical professionals look for pain in the shoulder when reaching up, weakness in the shoulder, loss of movement and muscle weakness. They’re likely to order an X-ray, MRI or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. Non Surgical Treatment The first course of treatment might be physical therapy to work on range of motion and help strengthen the muscles in the shoulder and surrounding areas. Exercises for the entire body may be prescribed if the patient needs to transfer repetitive motion for a specific movement to help prevent further stress. The physical therapist will need to evaluate the patient’s activities to dev