What is it?
Injury to the rotator cuff is a condition that is characterized by a strain or tear over the muscles and tendons that covers and stabilizes the shoulder joint, known as rotator cuff.
What are the symptoms?
Rotator cuff injury manifests as:
- Pain over the shoulder area.
- Arm weakness over the affected shoulder.
- Difficulty moving or rotating the shoulder.
What to expect?
If you are diagnosed with rotator cuff injury, you can consider discussing the following subjects with your doctor after the initial treatment:
- Patients with rotator cuff injury are managed based on the severity of the condition. How severe is your condition? What treatment options doing you recommend?
- What activities are you restricted from doing, if necessary?
In addition to treatment by your doctor you can try the following things:
- Painkillers, such as Tylenol, might help in relieving pain.
- Rest your shoulder and avoid heavy lifting.
- Apply ice packs every 10 to 15 minutes every three or four hours to help lessen inflammation and pain. After a few days, apply warm compress to assist in soothing the soreness and tightness of the muscles involved.