Treatment Options for Shoulder Pain.

Rotator cuff tears may be caused by an injury due to a fall or lifting a heavy object. However, many tears are the result of tendon degeneration over time, which occur with wear and age. People who do overhead activities and repetitive lifting, like painters and carpenters, are at risk for rotator cuff tears. Athletes, especially baseball and tennis players, are also at greater risk.

It is important to seek medical evaluation from a sports medicine doctor or orthopedic specialist if you have chronic shoulder pain. While rotator cuff tears commonly heal on their own, some tears can worsen over time. If your doctor determines you have a rotator cuff tear, there are several nonsurgical treatment options that may be considered. These methods can include medications, activity changes, steroid injections and physical therapy.