Is Therapy as Effective as Surgery For Rotator Cuff Tears?

Research does indicate that utilizing conservative therapies such as cold compression and deep heat can be just as effective in healing a torn rotator cuff in comparison to surgery.

Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery and Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Rotator cuff surgery is generally not considered until all conservative treatment options have been exhausted. Or there is a complete tear in one or more of the muscles comprising of the rotator cuff. Unless it is a highly severe or complete tear, doctors, orthopedic specialists and physical therapists will advise that you try at least 6 or more months of conservative therapy with no sign of improvement before surgery will even be considered.