Abstract
In the athletic population, rotator cuff tears most commonly result from an acute traumatic injury chronic overuse. While acute tears frequently require surgical treatment, chronic tears may benefit from conservative, nonoperative treatment. Following a phasic rehabilitation program, overhead athletes suffering partial- or even full-thickness rotator cuff tears often return to their preinjury level of competitive sport. Basic rehabilitation practices include passive and active range of motion exercises, selective capsular stretching, core strengthening and stability, neuromuscular exercise, and strengthening of the rotator cuff, deltoid, and periscapular musculature. The use of oral anti-inflammatory medications, injections, cryotherapy, and heat may also be indicated. In order to maintain optimal performance and to prevent subsequent re-injury throughout the competitive season, it is essential for the overhead athlete to maintain adequate strength, power, range of motion, and endurance.
The aim of this chapter is to review the well-established principles of conservative, nonoperative management for rotator cuff tears in the overhead athlete.
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Euler, S.A., Kokmeyer, D., Millett, P.J. (2015). Rotator Cuff Tears in Athletes: Part II. Conservative Management – American Mind. In: PARK, JY. (eds) Sports Injuries to the Shoulder and Elbow. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41795-5_6
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