Rotator Cuff injuries are common, but it can be difficult to know exactly what steps to take to return to optimal fitness. If you are living in New Jersey and believe physical therapy may be right for you, look no further than Twin Boro Physical Therapy.
Twin Boro Physical Therapy provides New Jersey residents with state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment and the latest in evidence-based treatment methods. With 51 convenient locations across 16 counties, we aim to make high-quality physical therapy accessible to all New Jersey residents.
Since 1980, Twin Boro has been treating patients with commitment, dedication, and respect. We want you to feel confident in your physical therapy journey and comfortable asking questions at every step along the way. We pair our physical therapists one-on-one with our patients to incorporate a wider range of physical therapy exercises, allow for real-time adjustments to the training plan, and foster a deeper relationship between the patient and therapist.
Physical Therapy After Rotator Cuff Surgery
Rotator cuff tears are common, especially in people over the age of 60. While some tears may be able to be treated through physical therapy alone, many must be treated by surgery and then followed by a physical therapy regimen. If this is the case, it is important to involve the expertise of a physical therapist specialized in rotator cuff rehabilitation, such as the experts at Twin Boro Physical Therapy.
If you think you may have a rotator cuff tear, look for the following symptoms:
- Cracking sounds when moving your arm
- Muscle weakness
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain when moving the arm away from the body
- Pain during certain activities or that disrupts sleep
Re-tearing the rotator cuff tendons is common following surgery, particularly in the first 3 to 6 months. Reducing the risk of re-tearing, in addition to preventing stiffness and scar tissue, is primarily mitigated through physical therapy. Physical therapy can generally begin within 2-6 weeks following surgery, depending on the severity of the tear.
Directly after surgery, your shoulder will be largely immobilized with a sling. This is to protect the tissues and allow for healing while reducing the risk of reinjury. During this period, your physical therapist may perform slow, unloaded movements to promote healing, reduce pain and stiffness, and minimize muscle loss.
A few of the most common physical therapy exercises after rotator cuff surgery include:
Table Bow: Stand directly in front of a table or counter and place both hands on the surface. Step backward while keeping your hands on the table until you are in a shallow bow position. When a stretch is felt (but no pain), hold here for 5 to 10 seconds.
Lateral Table Slide: Place a towel on the surface of a table or counter. Stand with your injured shoulder side to the surface and place your hand on the towel. Slowly slide your hand with the towel across the surface at a 45-degree angle (slightly up and to the side) until you feel a slight stretch but no pain. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. This can also be done by placing a ball on the tabletop and rolling the ball instead of sliding a towel.
Wall-Assisted External Rotation: Stand facing the corner on a wall with a small rolled towel under your arm (held between your upper arm and abdomen). Place your hand on the corner of the wall with your elbow still at your side. Turn your body away from the wall with your hand still on the wall until you feel a slight stretch. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. No pain should be felt.
Ready to Get Started?
If you live or work in New Jersey and feel physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery may be beneficial for you, look no further than Twin Boro Physical Therapy. We can be reached by calling 1-866-407-2144 or by visiting our website.
