Non-surgical Treatment
Many degenerative and partial-thickness rotator cuff tears can be treated without surgery, especially when pain is the main symptom and strength is acceptable.
Activity modification
Temporary reduction of repetitive overhead work, heavy lifting away from the body, and painful reaching can help settle symptoms while preserving shoulder motion.
Physical therapy
Therapy focuses on restoring motion, improving scapular control, strengthening the rotator cuff and deltoid, correcting posture, and gradually returning to activity. A structured program often takes several months.
Medications
Acetaminophen, topical anti-inflammatory medication, or oral anti-inflammatory medication may be used when safe for the patient.
Injections
Subacromial corticosteroid injection may reduce pain and bursitis to allow rehabilitation. Repeated injections should be used carefully, particularly if later tendon repair may be considered. PRP and other biological injections remain areas of ongoing research and are not guaranteed tendon-healing treatments.
Selected references
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries: Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. 2025.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Rotator Cuff Injuries. 2019.
- American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and peer-reviewed literature on rotator cuff disease, rehabilitation, and repair outcomes.