Chances of Sucessfull Non Surgical Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears?

I dealt with the pain in my shoulder for over 9 months, thinking that it meant a surgery that I couldn't have done. I could barely raise my arm and could not sleep at night. It was devastating. Finally gave in and went to the doctor. He sent me to a specialist immediately...the same day....made the appointment himself.

I had such good luck with the steroid injections. I did have to go back for a second one about a year later. Now it's been at least three and a half years since that second injection. I feel very fortunate. I didn't have physical therapy...but when I could move my arm and shoulder again, I used it normally. Didn't baby it.

A friend has had two surgeries on her shoulder and is still in pain. She's had all kinds of physical therapy. I'm sure it's different for everyone. But, I'd suggest giving it some time. Perhaps you'll be able to get some relief soon.

I know the surgery is best for others.

Good luck and God Bless....

This one is right up my alley...

Yes, it is possible if the tears are minor. BUT YOU MUST HAVE PHYSICAL THERAPY TO STRENGTHEN THE MUSCLES AND TO HELP KEEP PAIN AND SWELLING DOWN WHILE SAFELY STRENGTHENING.

If your doctor does not have you in physical therapy, you need to ask for it.

Of course, once the muscles are damaged, you will be at higher risk of reinjuring your shoulder. If you don't get into PT right away, you could end up with worse problems including a frozen shoulder. (Women are at greater risk of developing frozen shoulder.)

As for me, I am not a doctor, so my first advice must be to seek the help of your physician.

Good luck!! Keep it moving.

My mother had rotator cuff surgery 1 wk before my youngest was born and they waited several wks before they started PT which was not a good idea, she was very miserable and lost a lot of weight due to pain and depression. She had to have surgery 6 months later and had PT immediately which helped her a lot but unfortunately 1 yr later from the last surgery she is still not able to move her arm in certain position or extend, her arm is stiff and is not at the same height of the other arm and it's a major difference so in that note I definitely agree with the other mama BabyPhotographer S

I know every patient is different but I would definitely look into this.
Good Luck
M.

Hi R.,
I'm an orthopedic physical therapist (12 years exp.) and work with this type of injury all the time. If the tears are partial and small, they can very well heal with time and proper treatment. I definitely would NOT recommend additional cortisone injections, especially since the first one didn't help anyway. Studies show that repeated cortisone injections actually increase the risk of tendon rupture. If the tears are larger, involving more than one muscle, or complete/full thickness tears than surgery is probably the only solution. Just out of curiosity, who is your doctor?

Internal & External rotation exercises have helped me when I've had cuff issues, but I've never been through a full tear. I'd second the physical therapy suggestion. Any orthopod worth his office space should be willing to write you a script for that...if surgery is not the only option. Seek add'l opinions, too.

Good Luck!
D.