Rotator Cuff Disorders - Home Treatment

Home Treatment

You can relieve the discomfort of rotator cuff disorders and keep them from getting worse in a number of ways. Unless there is an obvious complete tear, these methods are often the first course of treatment for rotator cuff disorders.

• Rest your injured shoulder. Limit repetitive movement, and avoid strenuous activity and activities where your arms move above your head. Be sure to follow your health professional's advice on how long to limit movement; most people do not rest long enough. The rest period for a rotator cuff disorder may be a couple of days to several weeks. During rest:
  • Avoid putting your arm in a sling. It is important that you do not keep your shoulder completely still (immobilized), because it can cause the joint to stiffen permanently.
  • Move your arm carefully through its full range of motion several times a day. Progress slowly to avoid injury.
• Avoid activities or positions that cause discomfort, such as playing golf or tennis or carrying heavy bags of groceries. Stop any activity that hurts your shoulder.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium to relieve pain.

Ice and heat are used to help with treating rotator cuff disorders. People respond to heat and ice differently. Apply whichever one makes you feel better. In some cases, heat feels good for a while but may intensify pain and stiffness after 1 to 2 hours. For a sudden (acute) injury, do not use heat for the first 48 hours.

• Initially, ice helps relieve pain and reduce swelling. Try applying ice to your shoulder for the first 48 hours after discomfort begins.
  • To avoid harming your skin, place a thin towel between the ice pack and your body, or put a pillowcase over the ice pack.
  • Apply ice 2 to 3 times a day, up to 20 minutes at a time.
  • Apply an ice pack after exercising your shoulder to help prevent swelling.
• After 2 to 3 days, start moving your shoulder with the aid of moist heat.
  • Soak a towel in hot water and wring it out. Fold the towel to about 8 in. (20 cm) square.
  • While holding the towel on your shoulder, gently swing your arm back and forth like a pendulum.
  • You also can do this exercise standing under a warm shower. Heat relaxes your muscles and tendons by increasing blood flow to them. When combined with gentle motion, heat can ease inflammation.
  • Repeat these steps 2 to 3 times a day to reduce the risk of permanent stiffening of the joint.

For more exercises you can do at home (with your health professional's approval), see:

Rotator cuff stretching and strengthening exercises.