Strained muscles in the rotator cuff group may also involve the tendons that connect them to the shoulder bones. This condition, called tendinitis, occurs when the muscle or tendon tissue overexerts itself and stretches too far, separating the tissue fibers. Although painful, most shoulder injuries are mild enough to treat at home. Severe strains that tear the muscle tissue, or those that accompany additional musculoskeletal damage to the shoulder, may require medical management or surgery.
Immobilization
Immobilization is a first aid treatment that takes the stress off of the affected muscles. The pain from a shoulder strain may induce reluctant patients to rest, especially for the first few days of inflammation.
The University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group recommends abstaining from any strenuous activity following a muscle or tendon injury. This includes painful overhead movements. A sling or elastic shoulder wrap will aid in immobilizing the rotator cuff area while pain levels are high.
Pain Relievers
The inflammation and pain of a strained muscle can both be contained by taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. MayoClinic.com recommends taking NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen as well as the analgesic acetaminophen as directed. Staying on a regular dosage schedule will provide maximum relief. Severe pain conditions may warrant a cortisone shot to break the pain cycle.
Cold Pack Therapy
Cold compresses applied to the rotator cuff offer immediate pain relief and ease swelling, especially in the acute phase after injury. Controlling inflammation is the key to a quick recovery, which is why the University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group recommends that its athletes ice a shoulder strain several times a day.
A strained muscle from any cause can benefit from 20-minute applications with a chilled reusable gel pack compress. When swelling diminishes, hot packs can be alternated with cold for ongoing deep pain relief.
Range of Motion Therapy
While immobilization is appropriate for a short period, the rotator cuff muscles won't mend and become stronger without use. When pain subsides, exercise to increase a patient's range of motion can begin.
New York University Langone Medical Center advises staying within pain limits, holding each stretch 10 seconds and repeating six times. Gentle shoulder rolls, in which shoulders are rolled simultaneously in a circular motion, will address range of motion.
Professional Physical Therapy
The University of Buffalo and NYU Langone Medical Center both endorse professional physical therapy as a rehabilitative treatment while the strained muscle is healing. A physical therapist can evaluate a shoulder strain and isolate which muscles and tendons need strengthening. Professionally guided, customized exercise plans help to speed recovery.
