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Worse still, a rotator cuff injury can take quite a while to heal without proper care. Here at Global Clinic, we offer physical therapy, injectables, and pain management services to help your injury heal faster and properly. Get in touch with our Niles, Illinois office to learn more today.
What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
A rotator cuff injury involves damage to one or more of these tendons – ranging from mild inflammation (tendinitis) to partial or complete tears. At Global Pain & Spine Clinic in Niles, IL, we specialize in non-surgical rotator cuff injury treatment that helps patients regain full shoulder function. For more information on rotator cuff injuries, visit the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Lifting heavy weights and doing a lot of overhead exercises can cause this strain. These injuries can also occur due to a car accident or a fall. The best way to avoid these kinds of injuries is by reducing the stress on your shoulders during exercise.
Services for a Rotator Cuff Injury
Steroid injections may sometimes be needed to help you recover faster. In a worst-case scenario, a tendon or shoulder surgery may be needed if your injury doesn’t heal on its own over time. At Global Clinic, we provide the following services:
- Physical Therapy
- Injectables
- Pain Management
What Results Can I Expect?
Coming in for a consultation is the first step in helping you address this injury adequately. We will outline a treatment protocol based on your injury’s severity and schedule.
FAQ
1. Can a rotator cuff injury heal without surgery?
Yes - the majority of rotator cuff injuries including tendinitis, impingement, and partial tears respond well to non-surgical rotator cuff injury treatment. At Global Pain & Spine Clinic, surgery is always a last resort. Most patients achieve significant improvement through physical therapy, PRP injections, and pain management within 8 to 16 weeks.
2. How long does rotator cuff injury treatment take?
Recovery time depends on the type and severity of your injury. Mild tendinitis typically improves within 4 to 8 weeks of physical therapy. Partial tears may require 3 to 6 months of treatment. Complete tears or post-surgical recovery can take 6 to 12 months. Your clinician will give you a realistic timeline at your first visit.
3. Is PRP effective for rotator cuff injuries?
Yes - PRP injections have shown strong results for rotator cuff tendinitis and partial tears. The treatment uses your body's own growth factors to reduce inflammation and promote tendon healing without surgery or medication. Most patients notice improvement within 4 to 8 weeks of their first injection.
4. What activities should I avoid with a rotator cuff injury?
Avoid overhead lifting, throwing, reaching behind your back, and sleeping on the affected shoulder. Swimming strokes that involve overhead arm movements should also be avoided until cleared by your therapist. Your physical therapist will give you specific activity modifications based on which tendons are affected.
5. Does insurance cover rotator cuff injury treatment at Global Pain & Spine Clinic?
Most major insurance plans cover physical therapy and pain management for rotator cuff injuries. PRP injections may have varying coverage depending on your plan. Call our Niles office at (847) 299-7000 to verify your coverage before your first appointment.