Contents
Healing Your Shoulder: Effective Therapies for Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
Published: Jul 11, 2024
Discover the most effective therapies to manage and treat rotator cuff tendinopathy, a leading cause of shoulder pain.
Physical Therapy: The First Line of Defense
Physical therapy is often the first and most effective treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy. It focuses on strengthening shoulder muscles, improving mobility, and correcting imbalances. A personalized therapy plan can help restore shoulder function and reduce pain.
Alternative Therapies
In cases where physical therapy alone isn't sufficient, other treatments like glucocorticoid injections or topical nitroglycerin can provide relief. These therapies help alleviate pain and enable continued participation in physical therapy, enhancing overall recovery.
What Doesn't Work
Surgery, like subacromial decompression, is often unnecessary and hasn't shown long-term benefits for tendinopathy. Many experts suggest focusing on non-surgical treatments unless there's a significant tear, as surgery may not provide additional advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Physical therapy is the primary treatment for rotator cuff tendinopathy.
Injections can provide temporary relief, aiding physical therapy.
Surgery is rarely needed unless there's a significant tear.
Yes, therapies like nitroglycerin can complement physical therapy.
The Bottom Line
Non-surgical therapies are often effective in treating rotator cuff tendinopathy.
References
- Karjalainen TV, Jain NB. Subacromial decompression surgery review. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 1:CD005619.
- Challoumas D, Kirwan PD. Topical glyceryl trinitrate for tendinopathies. Br J Sports Med 2019; 53:251.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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