The cortisone shots are for my shoulder. ultimately im trying to avoid pain pills , after two mri's and being told my rotator cuff is torn! alternativ?

Noninvasive measures: A course of physical therapy, if not already done, can stabilize your rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles. Aquatic therapy can be a more soothing form of therapy. Trigger point injections (of lidocaine) in the shoulder blade muscles can loosen the area. Topical nsaids such as the Flector Patch (diclofenac) or voltaren gel can help.

Conservative care: Pt should be initiated progressing to an independent home exercise program performed daily. It is not uncommon to find small tears in the rotator cuff, which may not require surgery. Other alternatives include applying compounding topical medications to the affected site for pain control. Acupuncture is another option effective for musculo-skeletal pain. Lastly surgery is the last option.