When is physical therapy used to treat rotator cuff disorders?
Physical therapy is sometimes needed before surgery to help determine the cause of your shoulder problem and whether surgery may be appropriate. While strengthening a muscle that is attached to a torn tendon is unlikely to be beneficial, strengthening the surrounding muscles may allow your shoulder to compensate for a rotator cuff tendon tear. If your shoulder gets better with physical therapy, you may not need surgery. If you do have rotator cuff surgery, you will need to commit to and complete a physical therapy program after surgery. • If your shoulder joint capsule or tendons are tight, physical therapy can help improve your range of motion and allow your shoulder to move more smoothly. • Physical therapy may strengthen the muscles that move your arm and shoulder. • Physical therapy helps you learn how to lift and carry objects and do other activities with your unaffected muscle groups. This puts less stress on your irritated rotator cuff tendons. Most exercise programs can be done
