How To Treat A Rotator Cuff Tear

Apply Cold Or Hot Compresses

One treatment option for a rotator cuff tear that can help patients relieve pain is to apply cold or hot compresses to the shoulder. The application of both hot and cold items can help dull the pain and reduce the inflammation. A hot compress can be anything from a towel dampened with warm water to a heating pad placed on sensitive skin. When someone applies heat to an injury like a rotator cuff tear, more blood will circulate through the injured area, which will reduce the stiffness in their joints. However, patients shouldn't use hot compresses for at least two days following the initial injury. As for cold compresses, these can be made from towels dampened with cold water or ice packs placed in a plastic bag. A cold compress will numb the injured area, which helps reduce the pain and swelling.

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