Conservative Treatments Rest. Rest is critical to rotator cuff injuries so any inflammation can heal. Ice. Apply an ice compress to the shoulder for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to help reduce pain and inflammation. Physical therapy. Physical therapy helps improve muscle function. Patients also learn strengthening exercises that will help them understand how to prevent future injuries. Medical Treatments Anti-inflammatory medications. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and tylenol can help alleviate the pain associated with a rotator cuff tear. Doctors can also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications. Cortisone injections. Some doctors may suggest cortisone injections to decrease pain and inflammation. Surgical Treatments Acromioplasty. When the tear is a shoulder muscle, tendon, or ligament is large or complex, doctors may recommend an open repair surgical incision, or acromioplasty. During this procedure, the surgeon detaches one of the shoulder muscles and removes bone spurs that are causing pain. The success rate for this procedure is high with a recovery time lasting from six to eight weeks. Arthroscopy. This surgery is used for medium to small tears in muscles. A surgeon inserts a small camera into the shoulder to help him or her repair tears with small instruments. Recovery time for arthroscopy is a two to three weeks, and the procedure has a high success rate. Mini-open surgery. This procedure uses arthroscopy to assess and treat damage to different areas of the shoulder joint. While treating that damage, a surgeon also repairs the damaged areas of the shoulder. Recovery time takes anywhere from four to six months, and the success rate is high. Shoulder replacement surgery. This surgery is recommended for large tears that have been neglected over years. During this procedure, a ball-and-socket joint is placed on the shoulder blade. Patients can expect to wear a sling for six to eight weeks after the procedure, and it could take six months before returning to vigorous activities. The procedure has a high success rate.