Make A Strong Rotator Cuff Recovery with Physical Therapy
Don’t Skip Your Physical Therapy Appointments After A Rotator Cuff Injury – Here’s Why!
It is estimated that as many as 2 million adults are diagnosed with rotator cuff injuries every year in the United States. Up to 80% of those patients initially choose non-surgical treatments, like physical therapy, to repair and recover from the injury rather than undergoing a surgical procedure. Research suggests that approximately 90% of patients have positive outcomes and improved function with physical therapy, especially when the rotator cuff injury is identified and treated early.
The decision for surgical repair is typically based on factors such as the severity of the injury, the patient’s age and activity level, and their response to non-surgical treatments. Fortunately, physical therapy can help you prepare for surgery, promote healing, and improve your recovery, whether you have surgery or not.
Whether you need surgery or not, recover stronger than ever with physical therapy for rotator cuff injuries.
Health Tips Interactive Tracker
Track Your Rotator Cuff Recovery
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint that plays a significant role in the movement and stability of the joint. The muscles work together to stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate various movements, such as lifting and rotating the arm.
Rotator cuff injuries can occur due to a variety of causes.
- Repetitive overhead motions
- Sudden trauma or injury
- Degeneration due to aging
Physical Therapy Before and After Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
Considering rotator cuff surgery? Physical therapy can be your secret weapon for a smoother journey before and after the procedure.
Pre-Surgery Advantage:
- Go into surgery stronger: Build muscle strength and control around your shoulder for better support during healing.
- Reduce pain and restore motion: Physical therapists can use manual therapy techniques to minimize discomfort and improve range of motion.
- Recover faster: Stronger muscles translate to a quicker recovery and regaining full shoulder function.
- Prepare mentally: Understand what to expect post-surgery and gain strategies to optimize your recovery, boosting your confidence.
Post-Surgery Benefits:
- Manage pain effectively: Our therapists use a variety of manual techniques and modalities to keep pain at bay.
- Regain lost motion: Our team will help stretch and loosen any restrictions to restore your shoulder’s range of motion.
- Rebuild strength: Regain the strength you lost in your rotator cuff and supporting muscles.
- Return to your life: Physical therapy’s ultimate goal is to help you use your shoulder fully again, allowing you to perform daily activities without limitations.
- Prevent future injuries: Learn exercises to maintain strength and flexibility in your shoulder, reducing the risk of re-injury.
By incorporating physical therapy at Iberia Sports & Rehab before and after surgery, you’re setting yourself up for a successful rotator cuff surgery experience!
Expectations from Physical Therapy for Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation
Whether you opt for surgery or not, physical therapy is often the primary approach for rotator cuff injury rehabilitation. Physical therapy sessions may include a combination of techniques to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
- Manual therapy to reduce pain and help improve blood flow
- Stretching to improve/restore shoulder range of motion
- Strengthening exercises to build the muscles in and around the shoulder joint and shoulder blades
- Functional movements to restore normal use of the shoulder
Personalized Treatment with Iberia Sports & Rehab
We begin every program with a detailed assessment of your health history and existing condition. Next, we conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including range of motion and strength testing. We’ll discuss your questions and concerns and set achievable goals for your recovery. You can expect a comprehensive therapy that includes:
- Emphasizing the importance of consistency with exercises to perform at home between sessions to maintain progress.
- Providing guidance on proper mechanics, posture, and techniques for activities involving the shoulder to prevent future injuries or re-injury of the rotator cuff.
- Preparing for a gradual reintroduction of activities and sports after recovery.
- Highlighting the significance of long-term maintenance through periodic check-ins, continued home exercises, and continuing a healthy lifestyle to maintain the strength and function of the rotator cuff.
A strong rotator cuff recovery with physical therapy involves a comprehensive approach that addresses pre and post-surgery needs or non-surgical treatment. With the guidance of our skilled physical therapists and your commitment to the rehabilitation process, you can regain shoulder function, mobility, and quality of life.
Early preparation and treatment are the keys to success, so give us a call today to schedule a consultation.
Sources: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/rotator-cuff-tears/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827371/
Exercise of the Month
Shoulder Internal Rotation Stretch
(Shoulders, Rotator Cuff)
Start by standing up straight, holding a towel behind your back with one end over your shoulder and the other by your lower back. Grab the bottom end of the towel with your hand on the side you want to stretch and gently pull up on the towel with your other hand. Hold for 30 seconds. 2 Sets, 1 Rep. (Materials needed: towel)
Healthy Recipe: Quick & Easy Banana Muffins
These banana muffins are soft, buttery, and spiced with cinnamon. They’re wonderful plain, with chopped walnuts, or even chocolate chips. You need 3 large ripe bananas and a few basic kitchen ingredients to get started.
Ingredients:
- 1 and 1/2 cups (188g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 and 1/2 cups (345g) mashed bananas (4 medium or 3 large ripe bananas)
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted (or melted coconut oil)
- 2/3 cup (135g) packed light or dark brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 1 large egg, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) milk
- optional: 1 cup chopped walnuts, pecans, or chocolate chips
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Spray a 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray or use cupcake liners.
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a medium bowl. Set aside. In a large bowl or in the bowl of your stand mixer, mash the bananas. On medium speed, beat or whisk in the melted butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and milk. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, then beat or whisk until combined. If adding nuts or chocolate chips, fold them in now. Batter will be thick.
3. Spoon the batter into liners, filling them all the way to the top. Bake for 5 minutes at 425°F, then, keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C).
4. Bake for an additional 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The total time these muffins take in the oven is about 21–23 minutes, give or take. (For mini muffins, bake 12–14 total minutes at 350°F (177°C).) Allow the muffins to cool for 5 minutes in the muffin pan, then transfer to a wire cooling rack to continue cooling.
5. Muffins stay fresh covered at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Request an Appointment to Get Started Today
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back from your daily routine. Iberia Sports & Rehab offers specialized rotator cuff physical therapy to help you comfortably return to reaching, lifting, and the activities you enjoy. Request an appointment today to restore your shoulder’s strength and regain your mobility.