Physical therapy is a typical treatment option for persons who have torn their rotator cuff. Whether you choose conservative treatment or need rehab after surgery, a physical therapist is a mobility and injury specialist who can help you get the best possible results. Continue reading to find out what to expect from physical therapy after a rotator cuff tear.
Rehab & Conservative Treatments
Conservative treatment may be the best option for you if your shoulder function is mostly intact following your rotator cuff damage. To preserve the general integrity of the shoulder joint, it's always ideal to avoid surgery if at all feasible. The optimal treatment for you will be determined by the extent to which your injury has impacted your quality of life. These five general phases of conservation therapy with a physical therapist for this common injury are:
Management of Pain
To build tolerance for additional treatment choices, bring shoulder discomfort and swelling under control first, and give the torn rotator cuff tendons, soft tissues, and painful muscles time to rest. It is critical to avoid overuse.
Stretching, Strengthening & Range of Motion Exercises
It's important to focus on improving shoulder flexibility after your pain is under control. With the guidance of your PT, you'll begin with passive exercises that don't involve any muscle usage and advance to active-assisted and finally unaided mobility. You'll utilize your pain and any shoulder impingement symptoms to determine when to go on to the next level of difficulty.
Your therapist will begin adding strengthening exercises within the new range you've achieved as your range of motion gradually returns. With practice, you'll be able to strengthen your rotator cuff muscles over your whole range of motion. Returning to normal life will also require core and shoulder blade stabilization.
Tools
When it comes to shoulder therapy, you may anticipate your physical therapist to use a range of equipment. Resistance bands (frequently used in sports medicine) will help to stimulate smaller shoulder muscles and the scapula, which are more difficult to strengthen.
Your PT may also use kinesiology tape to aid muscle movement and give support during activities.
Return to Your Regular Routine
The most crucial part of your rehab is ensuring that the progress you've made is reflected in your daily activities and helps you avoid future overuse problems. You'll work with your therapist on daily shoulder exercises, then continue on your own once you've been discharged to resolve any concerns.
After-Surgery Rehab Phases
Magnetic resonance imaging is frequently used to diagnose surgery. If you do need surgery, there are a variety of rehabilitation options available after a rotator cuff repair. Each surgeon has their recovery preferences and will collaborate with your physical therapist to provide the best possible outcome. Each phase has a basic timeline and home exercises that are decided by your development.
The phase of Immediate Recovery (1-4 weeks)
At this point, the new operation requires time to heal and the patient must wear the brace full-time. This limits the amount of work that can be done. The emphasis is on pain management, moderate isometric shoulder blade muscle activation, and the beginning of passive shoulder range of motion. TENs, ice, and mild massage are all common pain therapies.
Protection Phase (5-9 weeks)
This stage denotes the beginning of tissue healing and stabilization. Around 6 weeks, your PT will progressively increase your passive range of motion until you are ready to begin actively assisting with shoulder mobility. By the end of this phase, you should be able to do modest isometric strengthening activities and be brace-free. At this point, you'll be introduced to the use of a shoulder pulley and a cane.
Phase Intermediate (10-14 weeks)
By now, you should have regained complete shoulder range of motion (depending on how stiff your shoulder was before the injury) and be able to improve general shoulder strength without pain. Your shoulder will be uncoordinated, and you'll need to do certain workouts to regain stability. As you advance, your therapist will introduce you to resistance bands, dumbbells, and other tools.
External rotation, internal rotation, abduction, and flexion will be the focus of your exercises.
Advanced Rehab (14 weeks or longer)
The last level is designed to increase shoulder strength, endurance, coordination, and power. Your therapist will select exercises that are appropriate for your lifestyle goals and will assist you in resuming your normal daily activities. Once you've been released, it's critical to stick to your home exercise routine indefinitely to keep your shoulder strength and range of motion while avoiding problems like frozen shoulder and impingement syndrome.
What is the average length of physical therapy?
The length and frequency of physical therapy are always determined by your circumstances and are based on the following important factors:
Recommendations for Your First Session
Your first physical therapy appointment will be extensive. Your physical therapist will inquire about your daily routine, previous injuries, and current problems. Your physical examination will be limited if you have had surgery. Otherwise, expect a thorough examination of your wounded arm to identify the best course of action. For your first visit, bring the following items:
A list of current medications
A list of current medications
A surgical protocol from your surgeon if you have one (your PT will most likely already have it, but it's helpful to have an additional copy just in case)
A list of questions to ask It's easy to get caught up in the moment and lose track of your inquiries.
Pay attention to your symptoms in the days leading up to your appointment so you can report them.
Come with an open mind; your PT will present you with a lot of information about your injury that will make you feel empowered to heal and recover in a long-term manner!
Following a Rehab Program That Is Safe
Having a skilled healthcare expert help you recover from a torn rotator cuff is a fantastic approach to maximize your potential. After a shoulder injury, there's a lot of risk in doing too little or too much; a physical therapist can help you find the right balance. Physical therapy will almost certainly be recommended by your surgeon if you have had surgery.