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Will Physical Therapy Help a Torn Rotator Cuff?

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Rotator cuff injuries are extremely common in the United States. According to research, between two to four million individuals are impacted by rotator cuff problems each year. However, the good news is that most people with a rotator cuff tear recover with physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments.

At Backcountry Physical Therapy, a sports physical therapist in Colorado Springs, we help outdoor enthusiasts recover from and prevent injuries. We understand that a torn rotator cuff can seriously impact your ability to enjoy the outdoors. At Backcountry Physical Therapy, we will work with you to understand the type of rotator cuff injury you have so we can expand your range of motion and reduce pain. When you work with the experts at Backcountry Physical Therapy, we will create a long-term plan with a number of treatment options so you can get back to enjoying the natural beauty of Colorado.

If you have a torn rotator cuff, physical therapy is one of the best options to restrengthen your rotator cuff muscles and tendons to get you back to living life as normal.

What is a Rotator Cuff?

A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint. These muscles are near your shoulder blade and wrap around your upper arm. When you move your arm, these muscles and tendons keep your shoulder stable inside the socket.

What Causes Rotator Cuff Problems?

There are several different reasons why someone has rotator cuff problems. The most common reason for rotator cuff tears is the wear and tear on those muscles and tendons.

For example, older people often have partial tears or complete tears in a rotator cuff. Athletes also can suffer from rotator cuff problems because of how often they use those muscles and tendons.

Rotator cuff tears can also be caused by an acute injury, such as a car accident or other accidental injury to the shoulder.

Rotator Cuff Injury Symptoms

There are a number of symptoms that accompany a rotator cuff tear. When you have a tear, the muscles in your shoulder do not work properly. This can cause several symptoms including:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Trouble lifting your arm
  • Loss of range of motion
  • Lack of stability when lifting your arm
  • Decreased shoulder strength and mobility

You may have trouble completing everyday tasks with a rotator cuff injury. For example, reaching behind your back or lifting your arm may cause pain or instability in your arm. You may also notice inflammation and tenderness in your shoulder. Loss of strength and range of motion is also common with rotator cuff injuries.

It is also important to note that not everyone with a rotator cuff injury has pain, loss of motion, or reduced strength. This is why it is crucial to work with your physical therapist to determine a treatment plan. They will be able to give you an idea of how your shoulder is moving and if you require surgical or nonsurgical treatments.

Torn Rotator

Will Physical Therapy Help a Torn Rotator Cuff?

The goal of treating a rotator cuff tear is not to necessarily heal the tear. Physical therapy will not heal a torn rotator cuff, but it will help to reduce pain and inflammation as well as improve your strength and range of motion.

Physical therapy will work to strengthen the muscles that surround your shoulder. This will help improve the function of your shoulder, too. Strengthening the shoulder muscles will help combat symptoms from the torn tendon so you can live your life normally.

When you visit a physical therapist for a rotator cuff injury, you can expect a number of exercises and movement training options including:

  • Range of motion exercises
  • Shoulder exercises
  • Isometric exercises
  • Resistance exercises

Your physical therapist may also do a variety of treatments to reduce pain and improve your shoulder’s functionality such as:

  • Heat or ice treatments
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Kinesiology taping
  • Dry needling

Both active and passive treatments for rotator cuff tears will work to restrengthen your muscles and tendons so you can get back to how your shoulder was before the injury.

Get the Best Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Injuries With Backcountry Physical Therapy

Rotator cuff injuries are extremely common among athletes and older individuals in the United States. These injuries can also happen in an instant during a fall or car accident. If you have a rotator cuff tear that is causing you pain, loss of strength, and loss of range of motion in your shoulder, physical therapy is one of the best nonsurgical ways to combat the symptoms of a rotator cuff tear. Active and passive physical therapy treatments can be used to restore your shoulder to its function and ability before the tear.

At Backcountry Physical Therapy, we work with individuals with rotator cuff injuries to reduce their pain and restore their shoulder to its pre-injury functionality. Our goal is to create a long-term solution that is going to target your symptoms. We understand that pain and impaired performance can stop you from doing what you love. That is why at Backcountry Physical Therapy, we work to restore your body and optimize your performance so you can get back to exploring the outdoors. If you have any questions about our physical therapy services, or if you have a rotator cuff injury and are ready to book an appointment, contact Backcountry Physical Therapy!

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AUTHOR

Dr. Scott Runyon

Backcountry Physical Therapy

We Help Mountain Athletes Not Only Recover From Injuries, But Build Them Back Stronger Than They Were Before, So That Injuries Are Less Likely To Happen Again!
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EXCELLENT
28 reviews on
sudchai dupreez
sudchai dupreez
2022-12-14
I can't encourage Scott Runyon/Backcountry PT enough! I have a torn labrum in my hip and was set to go to surgery. Going to Scott was my last ditch effort to push surgery back and he did it! I have a very active job and I feel stronger now then I did before and Scott got me back to play again. What I really appreciate is that no matter what physical issues that arise I can go to Scott and he always finds a way to get me back in the game! Thank you Scott!
Joel Fraser
Joel Fraser
2022-12-08
Scott has been an integral part of my continued success in my career and in my training! He has been there for every step helping me through all the aches and pains that come with my occupation. If I didn’t have Scott in my corner I’m pretty sure I’d be dealing with multiple surgeries and missed opportunities. Can’t recommend him enough. Thanks Scott!
Wendy Spillar
Wendy Spillar
2022-12-06
I've been working with Scott for over a year on my hip and back pain. I'm a fitness trainer and a caretaker and I'm very interested in staying as joint healthy as possible without surgery and Scott is helping me with this goal. His creative techniques and strategies are A+, highly recommend!
DyVonne Thornton
DyVonne Thornton
2022-12-06
Scott is an amazing person and knows what he is doing. I am a professional MMA fighter and Backcountry PT is a big part of it! I absolutely would recommend Backcountry to anyone struggling with injury.
Mike V
Mike V
2022-12-05
I had a couple of injuries in rapid succession that resulted in some significant quad issues. Scott helped me rehab the quad through a mix of visits and at-home workouts. I have opted for a monthly maintenance plan to keep me out on the trails. I highly recommend Scott.
Evan Canfield
Evan Canfield
2022-06-20
Scott has been an absolute life saver for not only my body but my career. I cannot recommend Backcountry enough. Scott's attention to detail and commitment to each and every patient is unparalleled. Thank you Scott for not only helping me get back to my old self but motivating me to come back better and stronger.
Adam Schwerdt
Adam Schwerdt
2022-04-28
Can't go wrong seeing Dr. Runyon for your outdoor adventures and activities! He will ensure all your needs and concerns are addressed not just for your current injury, but also to help get you set up for the long term. As a colleague who is also a PT there are few other PT's I recommend in the Springs and he certainly makes the cut!
Mehdi Shelhamer
Mehdi Shelhamer
2022-04-20
I highly recommend Scott. I say this both as a patient and a fellow healthcare worker. He is very attentive, listens well and devises an appropriate treatment plan. But better than that, he is constantly assessing your progress and tweaking the plan as needed. Additionally, his use of technology is very helpful with a phone app that keeps you in line. He is also very quick to respond to any questions. Yes, you can find less expensive physical therapy options, but with Scott, you get what you pay for.
matthew stempson
matthew stempson
2022-02-19
I had a shoulder injury and had been dealing with the pain for about a year now. In just three sessions I have learned many excercises and stretches to help me on my road to recovery. I am already seeing a good amount of improvement. He is very knowledgeable and is great to work with. Thanks Scott!
Bobbi Rocco
Bobbi Rocco
2022-02-02
I fell snow skiing. Scott helped me by showing me how to do some exercises right away so I would not develop frozen shoulder. My range of motion improved. His expertise and knowledge has helped and I hope to be able to resume all of my sports soon.