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.