Can Physical Therapy Help You with a Rotator Cuff Injury?

If you suffer from a rotator cuff injury, you are not alone. This situation happens to millions of individuals each year. A rotator cuff injury is one of the leading causes of shoulder pain. The good news is that with the right approach, physical therapists can administer therapy for rotator cuff repair in Cutler Bay to help the situation.

Therapeutic modalities may help you feel better. Intervention may also keep seemingly minor injuries from worsening while helping you heal. Physical therapy is the ideal solution for many that suffer from rotator cuff problems.

But How Do Rotator Cuff Issues Happen?

The rotator cuff represents a grouping of tendons and muscles in your shoulder. These muscles work cohesively, forming a “cuff” over the upper area of your arm. The muscles help you to lift, as well as rotate your arm. Additionally, they work to help steady your shoulder when you move your arm as well.

Rotator cuff injuries may originate due to several different things. This area may even become sore from normal wear and tear over the years. However, this instance typically only afflicts individuals over the age of 40. Nonetheless, rotator cuff problems can stem from falls, in addition to repetitive activities over and over again.

When we do the same activity over and over again, rotator cuffs may start to fray. Similar to worn fabric, it may separate or tear, especially when engaging in strenuous activities and heavy lifting.

When to See a PT for Therapy for Rotator Cuff Repair in Cutler Bay

If you think you potentially suffer from a tear or other injury to your rotator cuff, it remains imperative to seek a healthcare specialist as soon as possible. Primary care physicians, as the first line of defense, often request supplementary assistance from specialists like orthopedic doctors, as well as physical therapists.

Orthopedic doctors treat the bones, joints, muscles, and tendons in our bodies. Your unique, individual condition will dictate whether surgical or nonsurgical intervention is necessary.

When an injury is not severe, a PT is commonly the next stop. They begin by taking an analysis of your condition by asking some questions about your life and how you experienced the injury. 

The PT can then do some testing to learn more about your specific pain. Therapy could include performing tasks like raising your arm and moving it from side to side.

Therapy for Rotator Cuff Repair in Cutler Bay can help you:

  • Determine ways to sleep or perform tasks, so they don’t hurt your shoulder
  • Improve posture to alleviate pain
  • Learn exercises to strengthen muscles in the shoulder. They will also teach you to carry objects safely
  • Regain your strength and range of motion
  • Return to your typical day-to-day activities
  • Understand why you need to continue movement, even when it hurts
  • Utilize ice and heat, in addition to numerous other modalities to ease pain

Avoid Surgery Through Therapy for Rotator Cuff Repair in Cutler Bay

Physical therapy care for a rotator cuff can help you recover in a way that avoids surgery altogether. The goal of any PT treatment may not focus on healing torn tendons. Some patients may feel significant relief and show progress by relieving inflammation and restoring proper mechanics.

The goal of treatment will ultimately focus on improving muscle function surrounding the should. Many people, including athletes and weight-lifters, only strengthen a select number of muscles around the shoulder. Nevertheless, a number of smaller, fast-twitch muscles and fibers reside in this area.

Therapy for rotator cuff repair in Cutler Bay concentrates on these smaller muscles that commonly get neglected. Although these muscles may appear small, they remain crucially important before and after an injury. By strengthening and working these areas, you can compensate for larger damaged tendons while improving the overall mechanics in your joint.

The truth is that the majority of patients that suffer from a rotator cuff injury don’t need surgical treatment. This depends on a wide variety of factors that a specialist will discuss with you during an initial consultation concerning the injury.

Therapy for Rotator Cuff Repair in Cutler Bay from Progressive Therapy Center

As you recover from a rotator cuff injury, it is important to pay attention to your pain. If you need help, ask for it. This is the best way to heal your injury and ensure it remains as strong as possible throughout the rest of your life.

To learn more about therapy for rotator cuff repair in Cutler Bay, contact our dedicated, caring, and concerned team from Progressive Therapy Center today!