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How Physical Therapy Can Help
While rotator cuff injuries sometimes require surgery if they are severe enough, there are several cases where therapy treatments can work just as well (if not better) than surgery. When surgery is needed, physical therapy plays a significant role in recovery. Patients who undergo physical therapy within the first three months of surgery have substantial improvements in pain and function compared to patients who did not get physical therapy. Often nontraumatic rotator cuff tears respond very well to therapy alone, but when surgery is required, a therapist will monitor and guide the patient’s progress based on the surgeon’s recommendations. Regardless of the type of injury, the beginning of physical therapy will involve gaining motion in the shoulder through a progressive range of motion exercises. In addition, our therapist will use different treatments to help manage pain, including strategies for the safe performance of daily activities and sleeping positions to ease pain at night. As your condition improves, strengthening can begin. Typically your therapist will progress you through isometric exercises, progressive resistive exercises, and eventually dynamic, activity/sports specific strengthening exercises. The goal is to ensure your shoulder can handle the stresses of your hobbies, sports, and work. What to expect in physical therapy. Your initial appointment will consist of an evaluation to determine what course of treatment will be best for your needs. If surgery is needed, your therapist can help you prepare for your surgery and help you after to ensure you get the results you are looking for.
Your physical therapist will provide a treatment plan for you that will assist in restoring your range of motion, rotator cuff strengthening, shoulder blade stability exercises, and overall function of the affected shoulder. At first, your treatment plan will consist of passive physical therapy, primarily focused on pain relief, swelling control, and restoring basic mobility. This may include manual therapy, gentle therapeutic exercises, or any other combination of treatment services that your physical therapist deems for your treatment plan. When you visit a physical therapist to treat your rotator cuff tear, you can expect to engage in active exercises that are proven to be the best course of care for a rotator cuff injury. Call today to schedule an appointment. At OSR Physical Therapy, we use specialized techniques to help improve the way your shoulder moves and functions. Our dedicated therapists will provide you with some much-needed relief and get you started on your path toward recovery! If you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury, contact us today! Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5040201/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6243427/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1058274618307328 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S105827462030906X
At-Home Exercise
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Strengthens shoulders
SHOULDER CIRCUMDUCTION Start by standing up straight. Place your fingertips on your shoulders with your elbows sticking straight out to your sides. Slowly begin making clockwise circles with your elbows without moving your fingers. Continue as directed and then switch directions. Repeat 3 sets of 10 reps each.
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Always consult with your physical therapist or physician before beginning an exercise you are unsure of.
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