If you’ve been struggling with shoulder pain, weakness, or feeling like you’ve lost your groove due to limited mobility, you’re not alone. Rotator cuff injuries can sneak up on anyone, whether it’s from that one awkward lift or years of wear and tear. But here at Summit Physiotherapy, we’ve seen it all. Whether you’re bouncing back from surgery or trying to avoid it altogether, we’re here to get you back to doing the things you love—without the pain.
Don’t let shoulder pain limit your life any longer. Book your assessment today and start your journey to recovery!
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Your shoulder is incredibly complex, and a rotator cuff injury can make something as simple as brushing your hair feel impossible. Imagine reaching for the top shelf only to feel that sharp twinge in your shoulder—it’s frustrating!
The rotator cuff is made up of four muscles and tendons that surround your shoulder joint, allowing you to perform daily tasks. Injuries to these muscles can result from lifting something heavy awkwardly, or sometimes it creeps up slowly after years of overuse, leaving you in pain and limiting your mobility.
Common Rotator Cuff Injury Symptoms
People with rotator cuff injuries often describe:
- Sharp pain when lifting, rotating, or reaching out with your arm.
- Dull, aching pain at rest or during sleep.
- Weakness in the shoulder.
- Difficulty reaching overhead or behind your back.
- Painful clicking or popping sensations when moving the arm.
Ignoring these symptoms may lead to further injury, increasing the likelihood of a complete tear.
Don’t ignore the signs! Book your shoulder assessment and get back to living pain-free.
What are some of the causes of shoulder pain?
The shoulder’s range of motion and complex structure make it vulnerable to several types of injuries, including:
- Shoulder impingement: When the tendons of the rotator cuff or the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) are pinched during overhead activities, leading to pain and reduced motion.
- Arthritis: Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can wear down your shoulder joint, causing stiffness and discomfort.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons from repetitive overhead motions, often linked to sports or physical labour, causing pain and stiffness.
- Frozen shoulder: A condition that often develops after an injury in which the soft tissue around the joint becomes inflamed, severely restricting shoulder movement and causing pain.
- Tears: Partial or full tears of the tendon or muscle from injury or degeneration that cause pain and restricts shoulder function.
Who benefits from Rotator Cuff Treatment & Rehabilitation?
Our rotator cuff rehabilitation program is designed for:
- Individuals with shoulder pain or discomfort from overuse, repetitive strain, impingement or acute injury.
- Those recovering from rotator cuff surgery who need a structured post-operative rehab plan.
- Athletes or active individuals looking to prevent future shoulder injuries through strengthening and stabilization exercises.
- Anyone with a diagnosed partial or full tear who needs a non-surgical or pre-surgical treatment plan.
What Does Rotator Cuff Treatment Involve?
We start with a personalized plan that matches your injury and goals, ensuring you heal properly and build strength to keep your shoulder pain-free for the long term. Here’s what you can expect:
Rotator Cuff Assessment:
We begin with a full assessment of your shoulder’s range of motion, movement patterns, strength, and pain levels. This helps us identify the cause of the pain, the tissues that are affected and the severity of the injury and from this information, we create a custom rehabilitation protocol.
Hands-On Manual Therapy:
Our physiotherapists use manual therapy techniques to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and release tight muscles and connective tissue. This includes myofascial release techniques and joint mobilization. For some, the relief from this hands-on approach is immediate.
Other treatments that are very effective in regaining flexibility, strength and functioning are acupuncture, IMS and shockwave therapy. Other modalities such as ultrasound and TENS (transcutaneous electrical stimulation) can also be helpful.
Targeted Exercise Program:
We’ll develop a progressive exercise program to restore strength and flexibility in your shoulder. Exercises typically focus on:
- Enhancing mobility to ensure full range of motion without pain.
- Gradual resistance training to rebuild muscle function and strength and to regain proper posture.
- Improving shoulder stability and restoring normal shoulder girdle movement patterns.
Injury Prevention:
We don’t just stop at treatment—preventing future injuries is a huge part of what we do. We’ll teach you proper shoulder mechanics, posture, and movement techniques that will help you avoid overloading your rotator cuff again.
What Can You Expect from Rotator Cuff Treatment at Summit Physiotherapy?
Our goal is to not only reduce your pain but to help you regain the strength and mobility needed to live your life without worrying about your shoulder. Here’s what our rehab program delivers:
- Pain relief and reduced inflammation so you can move comfortably.
- Full range of motion, enabling you to perform daily tasks and activities without restrictions.
- Strength rebuilding in the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles to stabilize your shoulder.
- Post-surgery recovery support, helping you return to full function at your own pace.
Your Shoulder Recovery Timeline
The duration of your rehab will depend on the severity of your injury. Generally, patients start seeing improvements within 4-6 weeks of beginning physiotherapy. For more severe cases or post-surgical recovery, rehabilitation may take 3-6 months. Rest assured, we’ll be with you every step of the way to ensure you reach your recovery goals.
Ready to regain full shoulder mobility? Call us today or easily book your appointment online to start your personalized treatment plan!
Find Healing with Our Skilled Rotator Cuff Injury Professionals
Not sure which member of our team to work with? We can help! Contact our clinic today.
Ready to book an appointment?
Our physiotherapists and massage therapists have extensive experience treating rotator cuff injuries. Starting treatment today is the best way to promote faster healing, reduce the pain from your symptoms, and get you on the right track towards recovery.