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How Physical Therapy Can Help in the Treatment of Rotator Cuff Tears

A fit man experiences rotator cuff tear, sprain or injury during a workout session at the gym.

Rotator cuff tears are a common injury that can cause immense pain and hassle for those who experience them. They can occur when the tendons or muscles attached to the shoulder become torn or frayed. This damage can occur due to overuse, sudden trauma, or a decrease in blood flow. Luckily, physical therapy can play an important and positive role in treating rotator cuff tears.

Here’s what your physical therapist can do to help:

Use Targeted Exercises

A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program that targets the weakened tendons, muscles, and ligaments in your shoulder. This helps slowly build up strength and stability in the injured area while also reducing pain.

Your therapist will guide you through the exercises and make sure that your shoulder is moving in the correct way. This can help reduce your risk of further injuries, too.

Perform Manual Therapy

Your physical therapist can perform manual therapy techniques such as massage and joint mobilization. This helps achieve the following:

  • Reduced pain
  • Improved range of motion
  • Restored natural shoulder movement

Manual therapy also helps with muscle imbalances that can happen after a rotator cuff injury.

Reduce Inflammation

Physical therapy can help reduce inflammation in the shoulder, which is important for recovering from a rotator cuff tear. Your physical therapist may instruct you to use ice or heat treatments or prescribe medications to keep swelling under control. They might also teach you specific stretching and strengthening exercises that can help reduce inflammation in the shoulder joint.

Utilize Different Therapy Modalities

Your physical therapist may also use modalities like:

  • Electrical stimulation – the use of electrical currents to stimulate weak muscles and reduce pain
  • Ultrasound – the use of sound waves to relieve muscle spasms
  • Kinesio taping – the use of elastic tape to support weakened muscles
  • Aquatic therapy – the use of water-based exercises to reduce pain and improve range of motion

By utilizing these different modalities, physical therapists can help create a comprehensive plan of care that addresses the specific needs of their patients.

Provide Personalized Education and Support

Your physical therapist can provide personalized education and support. They will help you understand your condition and promote lifestyle changes that can improve your recovery.

Your therapist can also provide advice on how to:

  • Safely perform everyday activities
  • Handle any discomfort you may be experiencing
  • Improve the strength and stability of the shoulder joint

By providing personalized education and support, physical therapists can empower you to take control of your recovery.

Prevention of Re-Injury

Your physical therapist can also help prevent re-injury by teaching you proper posture and body mechanics. They will work with you to develop a comprehensive exercise program that focuses on improving the stability of your shoulder joint so that you can stay protected from injuries in the future.

Facilitate Rehabilitation

Sometimes, rotator cuff tears are so severe they require surgery. This happens when the tear is too large or doesn’t heal properly. During surgery, the shoulder joint is repaired and strengthened. After surgery, physical therapy can help facilitate rehabilitation by:

  • Improving range of motion
  • Strengthening weakened muscles
  • Supporting the shoulder joint

When to Get Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Tears

If you have recently sustained a rotator cuff tear, it is important to seek physical therapy as soon as possible. Your physical therapist can help design a plan of care that addresses your individual needs and promotes rehabilitation.

Consider seeking physical therapy if:

  • You experience pain or difficulty moving the shoulder joint
  • Your shoulder has weakened significantly
  • You recently underwent surgery to repair a rotator cuff tear
  • You want to return to your sport
  • You want a safe and effective recovery

Your physical therapist can work with you to develop a plan of care that will address your specific goals. They can help you return to the activities you enjoy in a safe and timely manner.

Rotator Cuff Treatment Near You in Jacksonville, FL

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for rotator cuff tears. It can help reduce inflammation, provide personalized education and support, promote the prevention of re-injury, and facilitate rehabilitation. If you are looking for a safe and effective way to recover from a rotator cuff tear, consider seeing a physical therapist near you.

You can trust H2 Health if you’re looking for comprehensive rotator cuff treatment in Jacksonville. Not in Florida but searching for the best physical therapist near you? We have over 135 facilities in the U.S. to cater to your shoulder needs! You can call us at (800) 699-9395 today. You can also fill out our online appointment request form to book a visit with us.

We offer complimentary injury and balance screenings to help you decide if you need therapy. We look forward to helping you recover!