Treatment of Rotator Cuff Lesions.

Last updated Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Urgency of treatment

Not an emergency

If the shoulder demonstrates stiffness, especially of the posterior capsule, a shoulder mobilization program is instituted before consideration of surgery.

In chronic cuff deficiency, surgical repair is not an emergency: there is time to explore nonoperative management, including a general shoulder strengthening program along with the stretching program. This nonoperative program may be the treatment of choice in patients with chronic weakness who are not candidates for surgery or for those in whom achieving a durable repair seems unlikely. This program emphasizes strengthening the muscle groups which provide elevation of the shoulder.

Disclaimer

This resource has been provided by the University of Washington Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine as general information only. This information may not apply to a specific patient. Additional information may be found at http://www.orthop.washington.edu or by contacting the UW Department of Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.

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