What is the treatment for a rotator cuff tear?
Rotator cuff tears do not heal well with time. However, rotator cuff tears do not necessarily need to heal in order for the symptoms to be resolved. Initially, Dr. McFadden will treat a rotator cuff tear with conservative measures. However, a traumatic rotator cuff tear may warrant early surgery. Conservative treatment of rotator cuff tears includes: • Physical therapy is the most important step in the treatment of a rotator cuff injury. Therapy strengthens the muscles and teaches the patient exercises the help alleviate and prevent recurrence of shoulder pain. • Anti-inflammatory medications will probably be provided from Dr. McFadden to help control the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear. • Cortisone injections can be helpful at limiting the acute inflammatory process and alleviate symptoms to help the patient begin therapy. If a patient fails conservative treatment, Dr. McFadden will discuss shoulder arthroscopy to repair the rotator cuff tear. An arthroscopic repair is done through sm
