Can Physical Therapy Help a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Injuries

By Greg Rogers, PT, DPT, OCS, Cert. DN

If you’re dealing with a rotator cuff tear, you’re not alone. These injuries are super common—affecting about 30% of people under 70 and a whopping 70% of those over 80. Surprisingly, many people don’t even realize they have a tear because they feel no pain. But when shoulder pain or weakness kicks in, it can really mess with your daily life. The good news? Physical therapy is often the first and most effective step to get you back to normal. While PT doesn’t “heal” the tear itself, it can reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore strength and mobility so you can live your life without shoulder troubles.

Your Rotator Cuff

First, let’s talk about what the rotator cuff actually is. It’s a group of four tendons and muscles that form a “cuff” around the top of your arm bone. This little team keeps your shoulder stable and helps you lift, rotate, and move your arm.

Over time, these tendons can wear down—like a sock that starts to fray—or tear suddenly if you fall or lift something heavy. That’s when pain, weakness, and stiffness can set in.

Treatment of a Rotator Cuff Tear

The goal of treating a rotator cuff tear isn’t necessarily to fix the tear. Instead, it’s about improving how your shoulder works and feels.

Treatment often includes:

• Physical therapy to strengthen shoulder muscles and improve mechanics.

• Anti-inflammatory treatments like ice, medications, or cortisone injections to reduce pain and swelling.

The combination of these treatments can help you get back to your normal routine—whether that’s lifting groceries, playing sports, or just reaching for that top shelf without wincing.

 Physical Therapy

So, what exactly does physical therapy look like for a rotator cuff injury? It’s all about building strength, improving flexibility, and fixing how your shoulder moves.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Range-of-Motion Exercises: Your PT will start you off with gentle movements, like using a wand or pulley to stretch and regain flexibility.

2. Isometric Exercises: These exercises help your shoulder muscles contract and build support without adding stress to the joint.

3. Scapular Stabilization: Strengthening the muscles around your shoulder blade improves how your shoulder, arm, and shoulder blade move together.

4. Advanced Strengthening: Once you’re ready, you’ll move on to weights or resistance bands to rebuild strength and stability.

The key? Patience and proper technique. Your physical therapist will guide you to ensure you’re doing exercises correctly so you don’t make things worse.

Do I Need Physical Therapy for a Rotator Cuff Tear?

If you’re wondering whether physical therapy is right for you, the short answer is: probably! Whether your tear is from wear and tear, repetitive motions, or an injury, PT can help get you back on track.

 

Is Physical therapy for Me?

If you’re experiencing shoulder pain or limited movement, it’s time to see your doctor. They’ll check things out and might refer you to a physical therapist.

Here’s why PT is often the best place to start:

• It’s non-invasive and can prevent the need for surgery.

• It helps you regain strength, mobility, and confidence in your shoulder.

• Studies show PT can be just as effective as surgery for some rotator cuff tears.

Your physical therapist will evaluate your shoulder, ask about your lifestyle, and design a program tailored to your needs. They’ll guide you step by step, helping you:

• Improve your range of motion

• Build strength in the smaller, often neglected shoulder muscles

• Reduce pain with posture correction and safe movement techniques

• Return to your daily activities without re-injuring your shoulder

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got a rotator cuff tear, don’t wait around hoping it’ll magically get better. Physical therapy is a smart, effective way to reduce pain, improve strength, and get back to doing what you love—without surgery.

Get started today!