Can a rotator cuff tear be healed or strengthened without surgery?
Many rotator cuff tears can be treated nonsurgically. Anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and physical therapy may all be of benefit in treating symptoms of a cuff tear. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain and restore strength to the involved shoulder. Even though a tear cannot heal without surgery, satisfactory function can often be achieved without surgery. If, however, you are active and use your arm for overhead work or sports, then surgery is most often recommended because the tear will not heal without treatment.
Many rotator cuff tears can be treated nonsurgically. Anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and physical therapy may all be of benefit in treating symptoms of a cuff tear. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain and restore strength to the involved shoulder. Even though most tears cannot heal on their own, satisfactory function can often be achieved without surgery. If, however, you are active and use your arm for overhead work or sports, then surgery is most often recommended because many tears will not heal without surgery.
