Heat pads can also be used to relieve pain. These non-operative therapies start with shoulder rest. The patient avoids excessive use of the arm, as well as activities performed above shoulder height. A pamphlet is available describing exercises to be performed. A professional physical therapist is also recommended.
Rehabilitation usually continues for six weeks.
Most patients experience some improvement during this period. The same therapies used for stage I are also applied to stage II cuff disease. However, a satisfactory outcome is less likely, and surgical intervention may be necessary. In stage II cuff disease, the pressure the acromion exerts on the rotator cuff can only be relieved using either an arthroscopic or open procedure. In stage III disease, if a rotator cuff tear is present and symptoms persist despite non-operative treatment, surgical repair is usually recommended.