Medications
Medication and physical rehabilitation are
often used with or without surgery to treat
rotator cuff disorders. Medication relieves or reduces
inflammation and pain.
Medication Choices
Your health professional may recommend medications for
pain (analgesics). These are available with or without a prescription.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the
most common medications used to help manage rotator cuff disorders. NSAIDs are
available with or without a prescription.
Corticosteroid injections are sometimes given with an
anesthetic, such as lidocaine, to help diagnose the
source of your shoulder pain. They also may be used if
tendinitis or
bursitis is suspected. Corticosteroids are strong
anti-inflammatory medications that are usually given only after 3 to 4 weeks of
other treatment (such as rest, ice or heat, NSAIDs, and
physical therapy) has not improved the shoulder.
Corticosteroids can be effective treatment for rotator cuff disorders. But if
used excessively, corticosteroids may have side effects that impair the healing
of injured tissues or make tendons more likely to rupture or tear. If the first
corticosteroid shot does not provide significant relief, a second shot may be
given to ensure the first shot was given in the correct place. But there is
rarely a need for more than a few corticosteroid shots. In addition, multiple
injections may be linked to less successful rotator cuff surgery.2 Corticosteroids are important medications for the treatment
of rotator cuff disorders, but caution is needed to avoid overuse.
What To Think About
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections do not heal rotator cuff
disorders. These medications reduce pain and inflammation to help you move your
shoulder comfortably. This allows you to start exercises to stretch and
gradually strengthen the shoulder, which reduces the risk of stiffness or a
frozen shoulder.
Aspirin and other NSAIDs
usually are not taken for at least 5 days before surgery, because they
interfere with blood clotting.
Before taking NSAIDs, let your
health professional know about any other medications you use. Combining NSAIDs
with certain other medications can be harmful.
After a
corticosteroid injection, your health professional may recommend a 6-week home
treatment program to improve tendinitis.