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It’s happened to plenty of people you know, and now it’s happened to you. You went to lift something heavy, or you took a bad fall on your arm, and now your shoulder is in severe pain and you are having a lot of trouble moving it. The pain wakes you up at night, and stops you in your track when you reach for your morning. You let it go for a few days, thinking it will get better…maybe even a few weeks. But there’s little improvement. You finally decide to make an appointment with your doctor, and after a brief exam, the verdict is in: You’ve torn your rotator cuff.

“Rotator Cuff…What is That Anyway?”

The rotator cuff is a series of four muscles: the Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres minor, and Subscapularis (Remember the acronym “SITS”). These four muscles are the primary stabilizers of the shoulder. In other words, it keeps the ball of your upper arm inside the socket of the joint. These muscles also provide the opportunity for our shoulders to move in several different directions.

Once a rotator cuff injury has occured, it can be a less than pleasant experience, but all is not lost. Most people who suffer from a rotator Your physician may prescribe pain control measures such as medications, ice and rest for a time. Physical Therapy can also be extremely beneficial to the patient with a rotator cuff tear. A physical therapist can concentrate on using expert techniques to restore range of motion, strength, and help control pain through the rehabilitation process.

“Do I Need Surgery?!”

Whether or not you need surgery is a question that should be answered by an orthopedic surgeon who is experienced in management of shoulder injuries. It’s definitely something worth discussing carefully with your physician when you go to get examined. Many surgeons will have a patient complete a round of physical therapy prior to attempting surgery because it can be a very effective and conservative option. If physical therapy can help you rehabilitate your shoulder to a good level of function, then the need for surgery may be delayed or put off altogether.

“How Long Does it Take To Recover?”

Recovery will vary from person to person, but in most cases rotator cuff tears can take several weeks to months for complete restoration of function. Your physical therapist and physician will work together to develop a very specific plan of care based on your deficits and needs.

If you are experiencing shoulder pain, we do offer free injury screens at all our clinics! Give any one of our clinics a call today. Remember that you have a choice in Physical Therapy. Choose Active. Get Active. Stay Active. Be Active.