Rotator Cuff Tear
A torn rotator cuff is a common injury experienced by many. Thus, this article will help you understand what a rotator cuff tear is, the symptoms you might experience, and how it is diagnosed. We’ll delve into how physical therapy can help, when to start therapy, and what exercises are beneficial for recovery.
If you’re in Manhattan, NY, and seeking personalized, expert care, schedule an appointment with Paspa Physical Therapy today to start your journey toward recovery!
What is a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A rotator cuff tear is a common shoulder injury affecting the group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, known as the rotator cuff muscles. These muscles help lift and rotate your arm, keeping the upper arm bone securely within the shallow socket of the shoulder blade. When one or more of these tendons are torn, it can cause significant shoulder pain and weakness.
People with a rotator cuff tear often experience a deep ache in the shoulder joint, which can worsen with arm movement. The pain might be felt more intensely at night, especially if lying on the affected shoulder. Activities that involve lifting your arm—such as reaching overhead or lifting objects—can become particularly challenging and painful.
In addition to pain, a torn rotator cuff can lead to weakness in the shoulder, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks. Some may also notice a crackling sensation, known as crepitus, when moving the shoulder in certain ways.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The rotator cuff injuries can occur suddenly due to an acute injury, like falling on an outstretched arm, or gradually over time from repetitive overhead activities, such as painting or playing tennis. Age-related wear and tear can also contribute to the degeneration of the rotator cuff muscles and tendons.
What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear?
A rotator cuff tear is a shoulder injury that can cause various symptoms, affecting how you use your injured arm. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for identifying the issue and seeking the right treatment.
One of the most common symptoms of a rotator cuff tear is shoulder pain. This pain is often felt deep in the shoulder joint and can extend down the injured arm. It might worsen at night, especially if you lie on the affected shoulder. Pain can also increase when using the arm for activities like lifting, reaching overhead, or even simple tasks like combing your hair.
Weakness in the shoulder and arm is another key symptom. You might find it difficult to lift or rotate your injured arm, making everyday activities challenging. This weakness can make it hard to perform actions that involve pushing, pulling, or carrying objects.
Limited range of motion is also a common symptom. You may notice that your shoulder feels stiff, and you can’t move your arm as freely as before. This restriction can make it difficult to reach behind your back or lift your arm above your head.
Another symptom to watch for is a crackling or popping sensation when moving the shoulder in certain ways. This is known as crepitus and can be an indicator of a rotator cuff tear.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice.
How Are Rotator Cuff Tears Diagnosed?
Diagnosing a rotator cuff tear involves a few steps to ensure an accurate understanding of the injury.
First, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They’ll want to know about the pain you’re experiencing, how it affects your daily activities, and if there was a specific injury that might have caused the issue. This helps them understand the context and severity of your condition.
Next, a physical examination will be conducted. The doctor will check your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and any areas of tenderness. They might ask you to move your arm in different directions to see how it affects your pain and mobility. This hands-on assessment is crucial for identifying any weaknesses or limitations in your shoulder and injured arm.
Imaging tests are often used to confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray can show if there are any bone-related issues, such as a bone spur, that might be contributing to your symptoms. However, an X-ray alone cannot show a rotator cuff tear. For a more detailed view, the doctor might order an MRI or ultrasound. These tests provide clear images of the soft tissues, including the rotator cuff muscles and tendons, helping to identify any tears or inflammation.
In some cases, if the diagnosis is still unclear, the doctor might suggest an arthroscopic examination. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a small camera into the shoulder joint to get a direct view of the rotator cuff. If necessary, arthroscopic rotator cuff repair can be performed during this procedure to fix the tear. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to a successful recovery.
How Does Physical Therapy Help a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating a rotator cuff tear, both before and after surgery. At Paspa Physical Therapy in Manhattan, NY, experienced physical therapists are dedicated to helping patients recover and regain shoulder function through personalized care.
Before surgery, physical therapy focuses on managing pain and improving shoulder function. Your physical therapist will design a tailored exercise program that includes stretching and strengthening exercises to enhance the flexibility and strength of the shoulder muscles. This pre-surgery therapy, known as prehabilitation, can make a significant difference in your recovery process.
If surgery is needed, such as an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, physical therapy becomes essential in the post-surgery recovery phase. After surgery, the initial goal is to protect the repaired tendon while managing pain and swelling. Your physical therapist will guide you through a gradual rehabilitation program, starting with gentle, passive movements and progressing to active exercises as your healing progresses.
As you recover, physical therapy will focus on restoring full range of motion, rebuilding shoulder strength, and improving overall function. Your therapist will provide specific exercises and manual therapy techniques to address any stiffness or weakness, ensuring a safe and effective recovery.
When to Start Physical Therapy
You can start physical therapy as soon as you’re diagnosed with a rotator cuff tear. Early intervention can help reduce pain and inflammation, improve shoulder strength, and increase the range of motion. Starting physical therapy early can also prevent further injury and prepare the shoulder for any potential surgical intervention.
Exercises for Rotator Cuff Tears
When recovering from a rotator cuff tear, specific exercises can help restore strength and mobility to your shoulder. At Paspa Physical Therapy, our physical therapists guide you through tailored exercises to ensure a safe and effective recovery. Here are some common exercises for rotator cuff tears:
1. Pendulum Exercise
This gentle exercise helps to relax the shoulder muscles and improve range of motion.
- How to do it: Stand with your uninjured arm supported on a table or chair. Let your injured arm hang down. Gently swing your arm in small circles, clockwise and counterclockwise. Perform for about 1-2 minutes.
2. Towel Stretch
This stretch helps improve shoulder flexibility.
- How to do it: Hold a towel behind your back with one hand and grasp the other end with your other hand. Use the top hand to pull the towel upward, stretching the shoulder of the lower hand. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
3. External Rotation with Elastic Band
This exercise strengthens the rotator cuff muscles.
- How to do it: Attach an elastic band to a stable object at waist height. Hold the other end of the band with the hand of your injured arm. Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle and rotate your forearm outward, away from your body. Slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times for 2-3 sets.
4. Internal Rotation with Elastic Band
This exercise also targets the rotator cuff muscles.
- How to do it: Attach the elastic band to a stable object at waist height. Hold the other end with the hand of your injured arm. Keep your elbow at a 90-degree angle and rotate your forearm inward toward your body. Slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 10-15 times for 2-3 sets.
5. Scapular Squeeze
This exercise helps to strengthen the shoulder blade muscles.
- How to do it: Sit or stand with your back straight. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10-15 times for 2-3 sets.
6. Shoulder Flexion
This exercise improves shoulder mobility and strength.
- How to do it: Lie on your back with your arms by your sides. Slowly raise your injured arm overhead, keeping it straight until you feel a gentle stretch. Lower it back down slowly. Repeat 10-15 times for 2-3 sets.
Personalized Care for Your Rotator Cuff Recovery
Recovering from a rotator cuff tear requires dedicated and personalized care to ensure the best possible outcome. At Paspa Physical Therapy in Manhattan, NY, you’ll receive one-on-one attention from experienced physical therapists who are committed to your recovery.
Unlike other practices, Paspa Physical Therapy does not use aides or trainers; instead, you’ll work directly with a skilled therapist who treats only one patient at a time. Our facility includes a full gym and private treatment rooms, ensuring both effective rehabilitation and the privacy you need.
Don’t let shoulder pain hold you back—schedule an appointment with Paspa Physical Therapy today and take the first step towards regaining your strength and mobility!
Medically Reviewed by Pamela Paspa, PT