Rotator cuff tear is quite a significant and debilitating shoulder issue. However, simple physical therapy could go a long way in facilitating healing.

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Physical Therapy Treatment for
Rotator Cuff Tear
Rotator cuff tear is quite a significant and debilitating
shoulder issue. However, simple physical therapy could go
a long way in facilitating healing.
A rotator cuff tear could cause significant shoulder pain
and affect movement. The rotator cuff is basically a four-
muscle network that
holds the arm in the
shoulder socket. It
performs the important
task of helping you lift or
rotate your arm, and
connects the humerus and
the shoulder blade. A tear
in one of the tendons takes away some of the attachment of
the tendon to the humerus head, causing movement issues
and pain. Tears could also be more severe.
Physical Therapy Is Important Indeed
Whether you choose surgical or non-surgical options for
treating rotator cuff tears, physical therapy is a major factor
contributing to the success of the treatment. However,
recent findings have also suggested that in many cases
physical therapy could prevent the need for further
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treatment. They’ve revealed that 75% of patients could
avoid surgery through physical therapy in spite of
contracting full thickness tears. Patients not having surgery
in the initial 12 weeks were found to not need surgery at
all.
The aim of physical therapy exercises during the recovery
phase is to restore normal functioning to the shoulder. The
individual must be able to function with as little pain as
possible. The shoulder muscles must be strengthened and
stretched. The physical therapist would instruct the
individual regarding the right techniques for moving the
shoulder.
Physical Therapy in Non-surgical Treatment
Exercises involve methods to stretch your shoulder joint
tendons and muscles.
Stretching exercises consist of:
• Posterior stretching
• Anterior shoulder stretch
• Towel anterior shoulder stretch
• Wall stretches
• Pendulum exercise
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Shoulder strengthening exercises include:
• Internal band rotation
• External band rotation
• Wall push-ups
• Arm reach
• Scapular shoulder blade retraction with, and without,
tubing
• Isometric exercises
Physical Therapy in Surgical Treatment
Physical therapy is also helpful in the rehabilitation stage
following surgery. It is an integral element of getting the
patient back to normal activities by regaining flexibility of
motion and strength.
There are three stages of rehabilitation following the
surgery.
• The first step is immobilization where the repair must
be protected as the tendon heals. The arm would
usually be put in a sling to prevent it from being used
for around 4 to 6 weeks, depending on how severe the
rotator cuff tear is.
• The second stage in the rehabilitation physical therapy
is passive exercising. These exercises are designed to
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improve the range of motion of the shoulder. This is
typically performed by the physical therapist holding
the arm and moving it in various positions.
• The next phase is that of active exercising,
commencing between 8 and 12 months following the
surgery. The physical therapist will take the patient
through a strengthening program for increasing
strength and improving arm control.
Total recovery would take some months. Functional motion
capabilities and strength have been reported to return
around 4 to 6 months following the surgery. Successful
rehabilitation through physical therapy is a gradual but
very effective process in helping the individual return to
his/her sport or other regular activities.
Physical therapy is an integral element of rotator cuff tear
treatment no matter how severe the tear is.
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