Can a Rotator Cuff Tear Heal With Physical Therapy? Insights From a Harlem Physical Therapist
Patients who experience a rotator cuff tear often dread what happens next. Will they need surgery? Or can a rotator cuff tear heal with physical therapy?
Park North Physical Therapy, a clinic offering comprehensive physical therapy in Harlem, NY, shares hopeful news: Rotator cuff tears do not always require surgery. Many people experience long-term pain relief through physical therapy.
How Can Physical Therapy Help a Rotator Cuff Tear in Harlem, NY?
Physical therapy is often the starting point for rotator cuff tears. But to understand how physical therapy helps rotator cuff injuries, one must understand the shoulder joint mechanics that make up the rotator cuff.
This “cuff” is a group of tendons and muscles that extend over the top of the arm and the shoulder. They stabilize the shoulder as the arm moves and rotates. But when one of these tendons or muscles “tears” (i.e., the muscle fibers stretch beyond their limits), extensive shoulder pain and limited mobility can result. Rotator cuff tendinitis and bursitis also produce these symptoms.
A patient can re-strengthen the injured muscle through physical therapy in Harlem, NY, and overcome motion limitations resulting from the tear. A therapist may guide a patient through several muscle strengthening and range of motion exercises, such as:
- Shoulder pulls
- Isometric exercises
- Resistance band training
- Scapular stabilization exercises
- Postural training
While physical therapy does not heal the tear, it restores the shoulder joint mechanics and compensates for the damaged tendons and muscles. Many patients experience long-term pain relief from physical therapy and do not need surgery to close the tear.
When a Rotator Cuff Tear Requires Surgery
Can a rotator cuff tear heal with physical therapy? In most cases, yes.
According to Park North Physical Therapy in Harlem, NY, surgery is rarely necessary for a rotator cuff tear. Patients should begin by going through several months of physical therapy.
A patient may eventually need surgery if their injury is not responding well to PT or anti-inflammatory treatments or if they have a severe, complete tear of the tendon.
Seek Compassionate Physical Therapy in Harlem, NY
The physical therapists at Park North Physical Therapy in Harlem, NY, have helped numerous patients avoid surgery for a rotator cuff tear. They provide a range of treatments and therapies to strengthen targeted muscle groups, improve range of motion, and relieve pain.
To learn more about the answer to “Can a rotator cuff tear heal with physical therapy?” or to schedule an appointment, interested parties can call 212-222-6525.
