Rotator Cuff Injuries

A rotator cuff tear can include a tear of one or more of the 4 tendons of the rotator cuff muscle in the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears are one of the most shoulder conditions. Because we are very dependent on the use of our shoulders for many activities, the resulting overuse can lead to a tear, with the supraspinatus tendon being the most commonly torn tendon.

Many rotator cuff tears produce no pain or symptoms. Tears can occur due to sudden, high impact motions such as a fall or lifting a heavy object with a jerking motion.

Rotator cuff tears are classified in 3 ways: partial thickness tear, full thickness tear and a full thickness tear with a complete detachment of the tendon from the bone. Any pain associated with the tear does not always correspond with the actual size of the tear. Acute rotator cuff injury symptoms include severe pain that radiates throughout the arm, and limited range of motion. Symptoms associated with chronic rotator cuff tears include noticeable pain during rest, crackling sensation in the shoulder, and unable to move or lift the arm.

If surgery is required to repair the torn tendon, Physiotherapy can be used after surgery for rehabilitation following a rehabilitation protocol.

Physiotherapy treatment includes gentle, passive range of motion exercises, ice or heat, therapeutic ultrasound, and a strengthening program once full range of motion has been accomplished pain free.