The rotator cuff is a tendon in the shoulder that allows the shoulder and arm to move freely and without pain. When this tendon is torn, the result is often a lot of pain and decreased ability to move the shoulder. Not being able to use your shoulder to its full ability can be problematic and prevent you from performing even the simplest of daily tasks. Here we will talk about when rotator cuff surgery may be useful in treating shoulder pain, and the role physical therapy plays in the recovery from such a surgical procedure.
When Rotator Cuff Surgery is Useful
There are several options for treating a torn rotator cuff. Typically, doctors recommend conservative methods first (physical therapy, injections, etc.). If symptoms do not resolve after these treatments, surgery is considered. Rotator cuff surgery is used to repair a partially or fully torn rotator cuff. These tears of the rotator cuff can be caused by many things, including:
- Sports Injury
- Weight Lifting Injury
- Car Accidents
- Slip & Falls
The rotator cuff repair procedure itself consists of re-attaching the torn rotator cuff tendon to the upper arm bone. As with any surgical procedure, recovery can be painful, but physical therapy can help.
Post-op Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Patients
Physical therapy is a standard post-operative protocol after rotator cuff surgery. A strategic physical therapy routine can help you reduce pain during recovery and improve your shoulder range-of-motion as your body acclimates to the changes brought on by surgery.
OrthoRehab Specialists dedicates its practice to providing top quality physical therapy care to patients across the state of Minnesota. Rotator cuff surgery rehabilitation is one of our many physical therapy specialties. Our Minnesota physical therapists have over twenty five years of experience and offer direct access to rehabilitation care so you can set up your appointment without a prior prescription. Many shoulder surgeons also refer their patients to us for continued care after rotator cuff surgery. Contact us at one of our Twin Cities physical therapy clinics (Minneapolis or Edina) to set up your appointment with our skilled team of shoulder therapists.