How effective is cortisone injection for rotator cuff tear?

Shoulder pain may come from inflammation in the bursa or nearby tissues as well as from the tear. An injection can reduce that irritation and create a window in which movement and physiotherapy are easier. Pain relief does not prove that the tendon has healed, and it can conceal overload if activity is increased too quickly. The likely value depends on tear size, tendon quality, weakness, age, work demands, and whether surgery or non-surgical care is being considered.

Have the tear and shoulder strength assessed before choosing an injection. Use the lower-pain period to practise prescribed range-of-motion and strengthening work, with gradual loading rather than heavy overhead activity. Tell the clinician about diabetes, blood-thinning medicine, infection, and earlier injections. See [Rotator Cuff Tear](/conditions/rotator-cuff-tear/) and [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) for related information.

Arrange prompt assessment after a fall or sudden pull if you develop a marked loss of lifting ability, a new change in shoulder shape, or severe pain. After injection, seek care for fever, spreading redness, drainage, rapidly increasing swelling, or new arm weakness. Persistent night pain or declining function also deserves review rather than repeated injections without reassessing the tendon.

Ask which tissue is causing the pain, whether imaging changes the plan, and how an injection could affect physiotherapy or a possible operation. Clarify activity limits, signs of tendon overload, alternatives, and the plan if strength does not improve.