Your rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their corresponding tendons surrounding your shoulder joint. The rotator cuff can become torn or injured, due to repetitive motions performed in sports, work, hobbies. Those who experience rotator cuff injuries or “torn shoulders” generally report a dull ache deep in their shoulder, arm weakness, difficulty reaching behind their back, and disturbed sleep due to pain. At Central Park Physical Therapy, our natural and non-invasive methods can help relieve your shoulder pain and heal your rotator cuff injury.
What is a rotator cuff injury?
While rotator cuff injuries sometimes require surgery if they are severe enough, in most cases physical therapy treatments lead to better outcomes in less time than surgery. Even if you get surgery, you’ll still need PT afterwards to restore full shoulder function.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association, “A recent study from Finland asserts that when it comes to treatment of nontraumatic rotator cuff tears, physical therapy alone produces results equal to those produced by arthroscopic surgery and open surgical repair.” In this same study, a follow-up on 167 patients receiving physical therapy alone for their rotator cuff injuries, demonstrated that conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, should be considered as the primary treatment for this condition.
What to expect during rotator cuff physical therapy:
At Central Park Physical Therapy, we will conduct a physical evaluation and diagnostic tests to determine if you do indeed have a rotator cuff tear, and we will design a personalized treatment plan based on the needs of your diagnosis.
We will work towards your specific goals and expectations of each step of your personalized treatment plan. Your therapist will also collaborate with your primary care physician if necessary!
Your treatment plan will consist of an array of techniques that are all designed to improve your mobility, relieve strain & pain, and teach you how to ‘fix yourself’ and maintain these changes long term.
Get started today!
If you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury, contact us today. Our dedicated New York physical therapists will provide you with some much-needed relief and get you started on your path toward recovery!