Rotator Cuff Injury Treatment

Self-Care at Home

• Rest the injured shoulder.



• Apply ice for 15-20-minute periods at least three times a day for the first two days after the injury. A helpful hint for applying ice to the shoulder would be to use a large Ace bandage to wrap over the top of the ice on the shoulder. The wrap can be taken around the injured arm and across the body.



• Apply heat after two days of applying ice. Warmth may be helpful. You can lay a heating pad over the shoulder while sitting up.



• Take an antiinflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium to decrease the pain and swelling. Do not take if you have an allergy to it or certain other medical concerns, such as stomach or kidney problems.