Rotator Cuff Physical Therapy

After a rotator cuff surgery has taken place, the shoulder joint needs to be exercised in order to get the four rotator cuff muscles moving in coordination again. A certain amount of stiffness and pain results based on the seriousness of the injury and the kind of surgery that took place.

Rotator cuff physical therapy begins only after the surgery has healed completely. In the case of a diabetic patient, aggressive physical therapy might cause the tear to open up again and a high degree of care has to be employed.
Before the physical therapy begins, the therapist will likely place a hot compress on the shoulder area to relax the muscles. Rotator cuff physical therapy involves slowly swinging the arm back and forth and from side to side in small circles, while holding the arm like a pendulum. After a few days of this, the arm is lifted forward and from side to side. A jump rope and a pulley are used to pull the arm behind the body and bring it forward again.

This rotator cuff physical therapy is followed by shoulder raises where the shoulders are moved back until the shoulder blades touch. After the exercises a cold compress is applied on the shoulder and electrode pads are stuck to the shoulder while a mild electric current is passed through them. This activates the muscles and improves movement while reducing any inflammation caused by the exercises.

After the basic physical therapy, exercises that are more complex are recommended such as lifting the arm high while holding a wooden bar, and turning the arm around to test the rotator cuff’s movements. Rotator cuff physical therapy will continue for a couple of weeks or more depending on the severity of injury.