Rotator Cuff Repair - Physical Therapy Program To Recover From Tears, Dislocations Or Surgery

A physical therapy program for a rotator cuff repair is based on specific internal

and external rotational exercises for the shoulder joint to be performed consistently for best results, not just at the therapist surgery. These exercises are designed to strengthen the four muscles and tendons of the rotator cuff and rehabilitate them to full functionality following a tear, a dislocation or surgery.

The four rotator cuff muscles are called Supraspinatus, Infraspinatus, Teres Minor and Subscapularis. Together, they surround the shoulder joint attaching themselves to the scapula (shoulder blade) and the humerus (arm bone), thus providing stability to the shoulder joint that otherwise could not be working safely, as this particular joint provides the greatest range of movement of any joint.

Such a complicated mechanism is unfortunately vulnerable to disorders or injuries like tears and dislocations if stressed with repetitive tasks, strenuous activity or accidents, while arthroscopic surgery may be occasionally necessary for a stubborn disorder, a dislocation or a large tear. Whatever the circumstances, with the right protocol it is possible to get full rotator cuff repair and shoulder functionality, gradually eliminating pain and the need for anti inflammatory medication.

A torn rotator cuff is a common occurrence amongst young people playing sports with a strong emphasis on arm movements like tennis, baseball, golf and so on. It can also strike older people following an unusual exertion or repetitive tasks and sometimes can go undetected. A dislocation is a traumatic event caused by an accident or a bad fall. It is anterior in 95% of cases, which means the arm becomes dislodged in the front of the Glenoid (its socket).

For dislocations, tears and post surgery, a period of rest with anti inflammatory medication is usually prescribed to recover the cuff well enough to start a rehabilitation program. Only when the therapist sees it fit, then such program should be started. Depending on the severity of the injury, the physical therapy may start with a passive phase performed by the therapist before starting the active phase.

Ancillary treatments like hot packs or cold packs may be taken in conjunction with the therapy in order to relieve pain and reduce inflammation, but the physiotherapy protocol remains the foundation to achieve full rehabilitation and rotator cuff repair, reducing the possibility of future injuries occurring again. Anti inflammatories are always prescribed following any injury in order to reduce discomfort, inflammation and pain, but should not be taken as a long term solution, as they do not cure the root cause of the injury and do nothing to repair the cuff.

Only a professionally designed program consisting of specific exercises for the rotator cuff can do that. Consistency and dedication are always key factors in the success of such a program, while a DIY rotator cuff repair program made with sample exercises taken here and there should be avoided at all costs, because it can make the injury even worse and delay recovery.

by: Andy Finn

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