Rotator cuff injuries are relatively common to experience. In fact, just rotator cuff tears alone occurred in 22% of the population in one study. Shoulder injuries can be disruptive to everyday activities and interfere with a person’s ability to perform even minor tasks. If you’re hoping to regain some ease in performing daily activities, physical therapy is likely to benefit you. Read on to learn more about the different rotator cuff injuries that a person can experience, as well as how physical therapy can benefit those who have them. 

What are some kinds of rotator cuff injuries?

There are several kinds of rotator cuff injuries that a person can have. There are rotator cuff tears, where the tendon that is attached to the shoulder bone tears or becomes strained. There are several degrees of tearing that can occur in those who have rotator cuff tears, ranging from acute to severe. Other types of rotator cuff injuries include shoulder impingement, tendinitis and bursitis. Not sure if what you’re dealing with is a rotator cuff injury? Some signs that may indicate if this is the case include a dull ache in your shoulder, pain that keeps you awake at night, and difficulty raising or rotating your arm. 

What benefits can you expect physical therapy to have for your rotator cuff?

Physical therapy can provide a number of benefits to a range of patients. If your rotator cuff is the reason for your physical therapy sessions, here are some benefits that PT can offer:

• Improved range of motion — One of the benefits of physical therapy for a rotator cuff injury is that it can improve the range of motion in your shoulder. Your physical therapist can guide you through intentional exercise and movements to help work out whatever is causing your shoulder to be limited during movement.
• Reduced pain — Another benefit of PT for a rotator cuff injury is that it can reduce some of the pain you may be feeling. Your physical therapist will work within your pain threshold to build strength and mobility and reduce pain in the long term.
• Reduced stiffness — If stiffness in the shoulder is a problem, PT can help with that too. PT specialists can gently guide you through shoulder movements to work out the stiffness and bring you back some of the motion you once had.
• Decreased inflammation — Another benefit that many patients experience is inflammation reduction. Inflammation can build up in the shoulder, especially for those with rotator cuff injuries, but PT can help you reduce some of that pain and swelling in the area.

Let Lattimore PT help you get the right physical therapy care for your rotator cuff injury

Lattimore Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation Network first got its start in 1992. John and Cindy Shuman, husband and wife, first launched their own physical therapy practice with the aim to improve the quality of life of each member of their community. Since 1992, Lattimore PT has opened nearly 30 locations across New York.

Our team of talented physical therapists across the state is dedicated to understanding the best treatment for you. We specialize in taking a “hands-on,” interactive approach with each of our patients to provide them with the best care possible. We love to see our patients thrive, which is why we’ll do as much as we can to help get them to that point. The physical therapists at each of our Lattimore locations take pride in their work and do their best to come to the clinic each day with a smiling face. We aim to make each physical therapy session enjoyable yet productive. The ultimate mark of success, to us, is a patient who feels positively impacted by our work. Are you ready to experience “the Lattimore way”?

Our team of specialists can guide you through managing your rotator cuff symptoms while building the health of your shoulder. Our goal is to make your quality of life better than it currently is. If your rotator cuff condition is interfering with your daily activities, it’s time to visit our physical therapy clinic. You shouldn’t hesitate to seek the care you need to make your life more comfortable. Schedule a session with us today to get started on the path toward relief. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.