Regain Mobility After a Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tear With Physical Therapy

Your shoulder rotator cuff is made of four muscles and the corresponding tendons. It stabilizes the shoulder joint. Research shows that it is common for this muscle group to tear because of repetitive use or trauma. Physical therapy can help relieve stiffness and pain from this type of injury. Here are the ways physical therapy can help bring back your mobility after a shoulder rotator cuff tear.

How physical therapy can help

The patient will need to work with the physical therapist and the attending doctor after the diagnosis. These healthcare professionals will decide if the patient needs surgery or if a non-surgical treatment can manage the condition. For shoulder rotator cuff surgery, a physical therapist can help before and even after the procedure. For non-surgical treatment, the patient will work more with the physical therapist. There will be exercises that can help the patient go back to daily activities. Changing the patient’s activity can reduce the stress on the affected shoulder.

For a chronic shoulder rotator cuff injury

Physical therapy can help improve the patient’s shoulder function. It can also manage the symptoms of chronic shoulder rotator cuff tears. The therapist can provide techniques that can help shoulder movements if the patient has large tears. This type of treatment is not for everyone. If this conservative approach does not improve the patient’s condition, surgery may be more effective.

For an acute shoulder rotator cuff injury

The patient must seek the help of a healthcare provider, such as a physical therapist. This will help rule out life-threatening, underlying conditions. A physical therapist will help manage the patient’s pain if there are no serious conditions to treat. The patient must prepare for the treatment plan that applies.

Stages of physical therapy after shoulder rotator cuff surgery

The physical therapist can help bring back the shoulder rotator cuff’s function and strength after the procedure. One’s recovery period depends on the patient’s general health and the surgery itself. Returning to daily activities may take about four months. Complete recovery may happen about nine months to a year after the procedure. Here are the different phases of physical therapy after the shoulder rotator cuff surgery:

• Phase I is for maximal protection. It often lasts for the first three weeks after the procedure. This is when the shoulder is most vulnerable to re-injury. The therapist will help the patient perform activities as gently as possible. The aim is to reduce pain and strengthen the area.
• Phase II is for moderate protection. The goal is to bring back the patient’s mobility.
• Phase III aims to help the patient return to normal activity. Physical therapy can help the patient use the affected arm for normal activities.
• Phase IV aims to help the patient return to participating in sports or work activities. The therapist will assign the patient-specific exercises that can help the patient perform like before.

Physical therapy can help bring back your mobility after your shoulder rotator cuff tear

Trauma or excessive use of your shoulder rotator cuff can result in its tearing. This type of injury can cause debilitating pain. Moving the arm of the affected shoulder will be impossible. Surgical or non-surgical treatment for this type of injury will always need physical therapy. Working with your physical therapist can help bring back your full mobility. It may take months, but the results will be worth it.

Get more information about Orange County Physical Therapy OCPT in Newport Beach at https://ocptclinic.com.

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