Severe or complete tears often require surgery or steroid treatment. Your doctor may use x-rays and other tests to see if surgery or other medical treatments will be necessary.
Start small once you resume normal physical activity. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about appropriate activities as you heal.
Wait at least 30 minutes between icings to avoid complications due to the cold.
In the US, you can check a potential physical therapist’s license online using links provided by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT). [8] X Research source
Cortisone injections will wear off over time. You may need additional injections in the future.
Partial tears may only need arthroscopic surgery, which will use a small incision and a camera to guide the surgery, and a procedure called a débridement. Full tears generally require an open repair of the tendon or bone.
Pendulum swings: Bend over at your hips and use your non-injured arm to support yourself on a table or chair. Allow your injured arm to hang down, and slowly perform easy movements in all directions for 1-2 minutes. Prone rowing: Lie on your stomach and bend your injured arm at the elbow. Squeeze your shoulder blade and lift your hand toward your armpit before returning to neutral. Repeat this for 10 repetitions. You can add a light hand weight for added resistance as you build strength. Shoulder blade pinching: Simply pinch your shoulder blades together and hold for 10 seconds. Do that 5-10 times. [13] X Expert Source Joel Giffin, PT, DPT, CHTPhysical Therapist Expert Interview. 9 September 2020.
Flexion stretch: lie down on your back with your knees bent. Clasp your hands together and stretch your arms directly up then back over your head. Hold the stretch briefly before returning to neutral. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Posterior capsule stretch: Grab the elbow of your injured arm using your non-injured arm. Pull the elbow gently across the chest as far as possible. Hold for 10-30 seconds before letting go. Repeat this stretch at least 3 times. This will help stretch the back side of the shoulder.
You can also push your elbow backwards if you’re standing with your back against the wall. If you’re really feeling good, stand with side next to the wall. Then, angle your elbows at 90 degrees and push everything from your elbows to the back of your wrist into the wall. You can then switch and push the front of your wrist into the wall.
In addition to stretching throughout the day, you should stretch your shoulder and arms thoroughly before any planned exercise or physical activity.
As your cuff begins to heal, start by adding small hand weights and exercise bands to increase resistance on your mobility exercises.
