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Definition
Incidence
Risk Factors
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Rotator Cuff Tear Home Care
Home care for rotator cuff tear includes:
  • Apply cold compresses:
    • Wrap ice in a moist hand towel. Do not apply ice directly to the skin.
    • Apply cold compresses for 20 minutes, 5 times a day.
  • Apply warm compresses for stiffness:
    • Apply for 20-30 minutes, 4 times a day
  • Rest the shoulder:
    • Use a shoulder sling as directed: Videos
    • Long term immobilization in a sling can lead to frozen shoulder.
    • If you wear a shoulder sling for longer than two weeks make sure you perform shoulder range of motion exercises twice a day to avoid frozen shoulder. Images
    • Physical therapy will play a major role in avoiding frozen shoulder.
  • Perform shoulder stretching exercises twice a day. Images
  • Perform rotator cuff exercises.
    • Perform the exercises after the pain resolves.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain: Images
  • Acetaminophen for pain Images
  • Take prescribed medications as directed.
Continue to Rotator Cuff Tear Home Care: Exercises
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Last Updated: Jul 28, 2008  References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
Copyright 1989-2008 DSHI Systems, Inc.   Powered by: freeMD
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