Treatment & Prevention

The earlier a shoulder injury is treated, the better it is. First 48 to 72 hours are crucial to have a speedy recovery. The most important course of action is the R.I.C.E.R. regime.

Many health care providers overlook the real cause of shoulder impingement and treat the tendinitis with anti-inflammatory agents or steroid injections. But the effect of the same soon wears off, and the next time the individual throws a ball, the tendon gets impinged again. The pain returns, requiring yet another shot of injection or anti-inflammatory. The most preferable way to treat shoulder impingement is through a consistent exercise program to strengthen the muscles sufficiently so that the head of the shoulder is held firmly in place and does not slip out of the socket.

Nonsurgical or Medical treatment

Pain killers such as NSAIDS ( Non Steroidal Anti- Inflammatory Drugs) are given which have the anti-inflammatory effect on the injured part.
Corticosteroid injections into the shoulder joints are strong anti-inflammatory agents that are usually given only after 3 to 4 weeks of failed other treatment methods.,
Rest your injured shoulder and limit repetitive movement.
Avoid strenuous activities where your arms move above your head.
During rest avoid putting your arm in a sling. It is important not to keep your shoulder completely immobilized, because it can cause the joint to stiffen.
Move your arm carefully through its full range of motion several times a day. Progress slowly to avoid injury.
Avoid activities that cause discomfort, such as playing golf or tennis or carrying heavy bags. Stop any activity that hurts shoulder.
Use of RICER regime; Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and Referral

Stop all movements of the affected area.
Ice and heat are used to treat rotator cuff disorders. Try applying ice to your shoulder for the first 48 hours after the discomfort begins. Place a thin towel between the ice pack and your body, and apply ice 2 to 3 times a day, up to 20 minutes at a time.
Use an elastic bandage or the Figure of bandage to elevate the arm and stabilize the shoulder.
Heat is extremely good for increasing blood flow to a particular area. Infra – Red heat lamps are the most effective way to provide localized heat.
Massage is also one of the best ways to increase blood flow to an injured area, reduce the amount of scar tissue which is associated with all muscle strains and tears
After 2 to 3 days, start moving your shoulder. Use moist heat to improve your blood circulation. You also can do exercises while standing under a warm shower. Heat relaxes muscles and tendons and eases inflammation.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is most useful in relieving pain and weakness of the shoulder if the tendons get severely squeezed as they move through their normal range of motion. The two types of surgery for rotator cuff disorders are sub-acromial smoothing and rotator cuff repair. The success of surgery depends on:

The amount of degeneration
Age of injured
Associated medical conditions
Your recovery goals and commitment to and compliance with physical rehabilitation program.
Whether you smoke or not, because smoking decreases the blood supply throughout the body and slows the healing process.

Prevention

Keeping the muscles in your shoulders flexible and strong. Daily exercises to maintain strength and flexibility may be the best defense against rotator cuff disorders.
Keeping good posture at all times. Stand straight and relaxed, without slumping.
Not lifting objects that are too heavy for you.

Not catching falling objects.
Avoiding sports or other activities where forceful contact or falls are likely or common.
You should not keep arms on side or raised overhead for extended periods of time.
If you indulge in sports like golfing and swimming, practice regularly to ensure the rotator cuff tendons are less susceptible to injury.
If raising the arm above your head becomes difficult seek medical help.
Deep tissue massage for rotator cuff is helpful in muscular strengthening and toning thereby improving the stability of these muscles.