Quote Originally Posted by KODOC
The stretches are a key part of rotator cuff tendonitis treatment. Weighted pendulum exercise with a 5 to 10 lb weight may also help. A weight of 5 to 10 pounds is held lightly in the hand (a filled gallon container weighs eight pounds). The muscles of the shoulder should be relaxed! The arm is kept vertical and close to the body (bending over too far may cause pinching of the rotator cuff tendons). The arm is allowed to swing back and forth or in a small circle (no greater than 12 inches (30 centimeters) in diameter). A properly performed stretching exercise may cause a deep achy pain, either in the armpit or down the inner aspect of the arm. Do this once or twice a day for 5 minutes per side. Another isometric exercise will help to recover lost rotational strength. Start after 3 weeks of the pendulum excercise. Grasp a 5 -10 lb weight in one hand at 90 degrees. Hold your elbow pinned to your side and slowly move your forearm toward your body. Hold 5 seconds then return to the start position. Make sure not to move your hand. Do a set of 15-20 reps with each arm. This can also be done with a resistance band attached to the weight stand. In general we also prescribe antiinflammatory medications such as naproxen (aleve) or ibuprofen ( advil) for a short duration. However, chronic use of these medications can cause stomach irritation and in extreme cases, bleeding. If the symptoms persist more than 6-8 weeks I generally send patients for an MRI to rule out a rotator cuff tear. If there is no tear, you may benefit from a lidocaine or corticosteroid injection.
cc indeed