Therapy options | Rotator cuff tear – causes, symptoms, therapy

Therapy options

The treatment of the rotator cuff depends on the extent of the injury and also on the time at which treatment begins.If only one or a few tendons are torn and the function of the shoulder is largely intact, after a certain period of immobilization an attempt can be made to restore the function of the shoulder by means of conservative therapy consisting of medication, rest and intensive physiotherapy. If there is no success or the shoulder is severely affected by the tear, several or all tendons are injured, surgical therapy is indicated. Even people who put a lot of strain on their shoulder in everyday life, such as those who work overhead, should consider an operation. The article: “Torn rotator cuff” contains further interesting information.

Operation

When operating on a tear in the rotator cuff, a minimally invasive surgical technique is usually chosen. An arthroscopy can be used to assess the extent of the injury and the necessary procedures can be performed directly. The torn tendon can be sutured end-to-end.

Under certain circumstances, the joint space can also be enlarged to relieve the tendon. For this purpose, bone parts of the acromion are removed and the bursa is removed (subacromial decompression). Open surgery may also be necessary if minimally invasive correction is not possible.

If bone protrusions with the rotator cuff are torn out, they can then be reattached. This is followed by several weeks of immobilization on an abduction cushion and then by rehabilitative physiotherapy.

  • Pain/symptoms of rotator cuff rupture
  • Exercises after a rotator cuff rupture – OP

After the operation, which may take a few to several hours depending on the extent of the operation, immobilization for several weeks is indicated.

Depending on the procedure, up to 6 weeks of relief may be necessary before a slow restoration of function can begin. Several months will pass before the arm is fully functional again. For sports activities and heavy physical work, the shoulder is out of action for about half a year.

Depending on the extent of the operation and the concomitant injuries, a hospital stay of about 3-4 days can be expected after arthroscopic treatment of the shoulder. In the case of major operations, this period may be extended. The physiotherapeutic follow-up treatment begins as an inpatient.

The patient continues to receive appropriate pain medication. Follow-up treatment after a rotator cuff rupture begins in hospital. In the first days after the operation, the patient is provided with cooling pads and medication to relieve the acute pain.

Gentle physiotherapy is also provided to stimulate the muscles, stimulate blood circulation and promote healing. All exercises should be painless! The therapy can be supplemented by manual lymph drainage. These are massage grips that are intended to promote lymph drainage and thus counteract swelling and support healing.