Please provide some do's and don'ts on dealing with a rotator cuff injury.

Ignore: Give it a rest and let it heal.

Ignore: If you have chronic rotator cuff issues, do not stop using shoulder completely, avoid frozen shoulder.

Ignore: With rotator cuff tendonitis, while rehabbing, avoid lifting arm above 90 degrees outside therapy.

Physical: With mild cases, physical therapy can help get patients back to normal function.

Ignore: Keep moving the shoulder as much as tolerated; a sling can make it worse and reduce range of motion.

Ignore: Avoid overuse or repeated motions with the affected shoulder. Do try NSAIDs, ice, heat, and rest.

Ignore: Don't wait to see a surgeon if you have a tear. The longer you wait the worse it is to fix and heal.

Ignore: Lots of times the rotator cuff is inflamed. This will cause the tendons to tighten . Gentle stretch.

Must: Must include physical therapy. Get an evaluation/treatment and use an anti-inflammatory if possible.

Ignore: Scapular stabilizer exercise and proper posture are just as important as rotator cuff strengthening.

Ignore: Make sure to keep your arms close to your body when lifting to decrease stress on your cuff.

Ignore: Stretch. This is key to preventing re=tear and contracture.

Ignore: Stick with your physical therapy after a rotator cuff injury. It helps!

Ignore: Avoid moving objects away from and behind your body while your rotator cuff is strained.

Ignore: Avoid lifting items away from your body See you Orthopedic Surgeon Don't delay, tears enlarge.

Ignore: Avoid overhead activities, keep objects close to the body when lifting, maintain range of motion.

Ignore: Rotator Cuff muscles stabilize the shoulder joint (glenohumeral) and lift the arm over head.

Ignore: If your doc says you have a large or massive tear, it may be beneficial to fix it soon.

Ignore: Rotator cuff injury is often caused by repetitive overuse injury. stretching and strengthening help.

Ignore: With MRIs that show rotator cuff tears, age of the patient, age/size of the tear dictates treatment.

Ignore: If you have pain on the lateral aspect of your shoulder it is most likely from the rotator cuff.