1. Reduce the Offending Activities
Continuing activities and sports that irritate your rotator cuff will only cause additional problems. As with other kinds of tendinitis, minimizing the use of the injured area is the first step to reducing inflammation. If your rotator cuff tendinitis is caused by a work-related activity, such as heavy equipment use, you may be forced to take a week off or ask for a different assignment. A brace may be used to support your shoulder, but avoid long-term immobilization as it can complicate the condition.
2. Take an Anti-Inflammatory Medication to Reduce Swelling
The swelling from rotator cuff tendinitis must be brought down before physical therapy and other treatments can begin. Doctors commonly recommend 1 to 2 weeks of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs. However, in the case of severe injuries, steroidal medications may be used. Both cold and hot compresses may be used with the medication to provide additional pain relief.
3. Enroll in Physical Therapy
Light physical therapy sessions are used to strengthen your shoulder muscles once the swelling is gone. Sessions typically last for 45 minutes to 1 hour, and patients are given exercises to do at home. These exercises may cause muscle soreness, but if you experience pain or swelling, you should stop them and notify your physical therapist.
4. Explore Options for Surgery
If rotator cuff tendinitis does not heal after 8 to 12 weeks of physical therapy and rest, surgical solutions should be explored. In most cases, light surgery is used to remove bone spurs in the shoulder or to cut out inflamed or scar tissue in the affected area. After surgery, additional rest and therapy will be needed to restore rotator cuff strength and movement.
5. Return to Your Regular Activities
After successful treatment, tendinitis patients need to ease back into their normal schedules. There is a risk for re-injury or the development of chronic tendinitis. Evaluating workplace ergonomics, taking frequent rests and changing to a vitamin-rich diet are a few ways to stay in good health and reduce the chance of complications.
