Physical Therapy for a Torn Rotator Cuff
The goal of a physical therapist is to improve the functionality and movement of the muscles surrounding the shoulder.
A rotator cuff consists of a group of four muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, providing support to stay stable and facilitate easier arm motion. Rotator cuff tears are prevalent and affect millions of people in the USA every year. While a rotator cuff injury can occur to younger people, too, the risk of torn rotator cuff increases considerably as the person gets older. The condition is much more common in people over 60 years of age.
When one or more rotator cuff muscles get torn, it can cause severe pain and restricted mobility. Healing or properly treating a torn rotator cuff is crucial. Physical therapy is an often-recommended initial treatment option for a torn or injured rotator cuff. It can help prevent the problem from getting worse and avoid surgery in many cases. The goal of a physical therapist is to improve the functionality and movement of the muscles surrounding the shoulder.
Causes of rotator cuff injury
Rotator cuff tears can be sudden or gradual. Sudden trauma to the shoulder due to a fall or direct blow can tear the rotator cuff and cause immediate sharp pain or arm weakness. The degenerative tear occurs gradually due to overuse or repeating the same activities repeatedly, like painting, swimming, or weightlifting.
Signs of rotator cuff tear
Common rotator cuff tear symptoms include muscle and shoulder weakness, restricted arm movement, experiencing pain while raising or lowering the arm, lying on it, and clicking or popping sounds while moving the arm.
Physical therapy and recovery
Physical therapists are movement experts that can help address the pain and stiffness and restore functionality. These trained experts know how to get the rotator cuff working as it should. The physical therapists ask specific questions about the patient’s lifestyle and medical history, among other things. They physically examine the shoulder to check for strength and motion. Additionally, they can perform MRI, ultrasound, or X-rays to understand the situation better.
A physical therapist carefully assesses the situation and recommends a treatment plan to restore strength and movement. The treatment usually includes a combination of exercises, massages, hot and cold therapy, and the use of other equipment. A physical therapist can help a patient suffering from torn rotator cuff in the following ways:
Regain the strength of shoulder muscles
Restore range of motion
Suggest postures to alleviate pain
Teach techniques to improve sleep and avoid hurting the shoulder while sleeping
Show techniques to safely carry objects
Restore shoulder joint mechanics
Return to normal life
Physical therapy post-surgery
There are certain situations where a rotator cuff surgery is inevitable. Physical therapy is beneficial in recovering from the surgery. The goal remains the same post-surgery as well, help with muscle strength and movement to get the patient to live life normally and improve quality of life.
Get pain relief from a torn rotator cuff
Leaving the rotator cuff tear untreated can lead to weakness, shoulder joint deterioration, and inability to move the shoulder joint permanently. If you experience any symptoms of the torn rotator cuff, get in touch with a physical therapist to treat it as soon as possible to avoid it from getting worse. Whether you want to avoid surgery or need physical therapy post-surgery, a physical therapist can provide the required assistance.
Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.
