Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery from a rotator cuff tear, helping individuals regain strength, mobility, range of motion, and coordination in the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears involve a partial or complete tearing of a rotator cuff tendon or muscle due to an acute trauma to, chronic overuse of, or age-related degeneration of the shoulder joint. Exercise rehabilitation is the cornerstone of physical therapy treatment for rotator cuff injuries.

Physical therapy is an effective treatment for rotator cuff tendinitis and the management of rotator cuff tears to address pain and restore range of motion, muscle strength, and coordination. Rotator cuff tendinitis involves inflammation of the rotator cuff tendons, which causes shoulder pain and swelling and can lead to a partial or full tear of rotator cuff tendons. Physical therapy is recommended as the first line of treatment for rotator cuff injuries and is critical if surgery is necessary.

The rotator cuff allows the shoulder and arm significant rotational and stretching mobility. Rotator cuff injury is very common due to irritation and inflammation of the tendons. Whether healing from rotator cuff tendinitis, a rotator cuff tear, or recuperating post-surgery, physical therapy can help address pain and restore range of motion, coordination, and strength to the shoulder. Check out our infographic to learn more!

The rotator cuff keeps the shoulder joint stable and allows the arm to have a significant amount of rotational and stretching mobility. Injury to the rotator cuff is fairly common, whether due to an acute tear from an accident or degeneration of the tendons from repeated overuse. Physical therapy can address pain, restore movement and range of motion to the shoulder and arm, and safely rehabilitate the rotator cuff following surgery.