Rotator Cuff Tear

The rotator cuff is a group of four small muscles and tendons that help lift and rotate your shoulder. A tear happens when one of those tendons is damaged, either from wear and tear over time or suddenly from an injury, such as a fall or heavy lifting. Tears can cause pain, weakness, and trouble lifting your arm overhead. 

As you age, these types of tears become more common. In fact, around 50% of those above 80 years old will experience a rotator cuff tear, but many individuals in this age group will have no pain or awareness that they have a tear. 

In younger people, rotator cuff tears are more often caused by traumatic injury, such as shoulder dislocations or inappropriately lifting very heavy items. It's important to get the injury fixed, as prolonging it can lengthen recovery times and lead to more severe injuries. 

Sometimes, it may be difficult to differentiate between a shoulder rotator cuff tear and other shoulder injuries. The two most common indicators of a rotator cuff tear over general shoulder pains, are: 

Non-surgical treatment is usually the first line of pain management for rotator cuff tears, particularly in less severe injuries. At Restore Physiotherapy, our non-surgical treatments focus on pain reduction, restoring range of movement and strength, as well as returning to functional exercise and reducing any compensations.

A key part of the rehabilitation journey involves a structured resistance band (Theraband) program. We start with scapular setting exercises to improve control and movement of the shoulder blade. Once this foundation is in place, we then implement targeted rotator cuff exercises, which include movements for external rotation, internal rotation, abduction, and elevation.

Rehabilitation exercises should typically start with the arm close to the body and gradually progress to movements at higher angles, eventually into sport-specific positions. Resistance also increases over time as strength improves by progressing to higher-tension Therabands.

If you’re recovering from a shoulder rotator cuff surgery, our team is here to help. Restore Physiotherapy offers post-operation support with comprehensive rehabilitation that focuses on optimising scapula control and strength, as well as helping you regain your range of motion. 

No matter your stage of recovery, our rehabilitation protocols are designed to gradually restore your movement with functional exercises, education, and care. Most of our patients have full shoulder function within 6 to 9 months after surgery.