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ConditionsShoulderRotator Cuff Tears
Rotator Cuff Recovery Guide

Rotator Cuff TearsComprehensive Recovery

Rotator cuff tears are among the most common shoulder injuries. Learn evidence-based treatment approaches for optimal recovery and return to full function.

30%
Of people over 60 have tears
40-65
Most common age range
3-6
Months typical recovery
80%
Improve with conservative care
Understanding Rotator Cuff Tears

What is the Rotator Cuff?

The rotator cuff consists of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint, providing stability and enabling rotation of the arm.

The Four Muscles:

  • Supraspinatus (most commonly torn)
  • Infraspinatus
  • Teres Minor
  • Subscapularis

Common Symptoms

  • Deep, aching shoulder pain
  • Pain that worsens at night
  • Weakness with overhead activities
  • Difficulty reaching behind back
  • Crackling sensation with movement

Types of Rotator Cuff Tears

Partial-Thickness Tear

Incomplete tear affecting part of the tendon

Symptoms:

  • Mild to moderate pain
  • Pain with overhead activities
  • Night pain
  • Weakness with lifting

Treatment:

Conservative management with physical therapy

Recovery Time:

6-12 weeks

Prognosis:

Excellent with proper rehabilitation

Full-Thickness Tear

Complete tear through the entire tendon

Symptoms:

  • Severe pain initially
  • Significant weakness
  • Inability to lift arm
  • Muscle atrophy

Treatment:

May require surgical repair

Recovery Time:

4-6 months

Prognosis:

Good with appropriate treatment

Massive Tear

Large tear involving multiple tendons

Symptoms:

  • Severe functional limitation
  • Marked weakness
  • Chronic pain
  • Shoulder deformity

Treatment:

Often requires surgical intervention

Recovery Time:

6-12 months

Prognosis:

Variable depending on tissue quality

Treatment Phases

Acute Phase (0-6 weeks)

Pain control and tissue protection

Goals:

Control pain and inflammationProtect healing tissueMaintain passive range of motion

Key Interventions:

Rest from aggravating activities
Ice therapy for pain and swelling
Anti-inflammatory medications
Gentle passive range of motion
Pendulum exercises
Sling use if prescribed
Avoid overhead activities
Early Mobilization (6-12 weeks)

Restore range of motion and begin strengthening

Goals:

Restore full range of motionBegin gentle strengtheningImprove posture

Key Interventions:

Progressive range of motion exercises
Gentle strengthening with resistance bands
Postural correction exercises
Scapular stabilization
Rotator cuff strengthening
Manual therapy techniques
Gradual activity progression
Strengthening Phase (12+ weeks)

Progressive strengthening and functional training

Goals:

Restore full strengthReturn to functional activitiesPrevent recurrence

Key Interventions:

Progressive resistance training
Functional movement patterns
Sport-specific exercises
Advanced strengthening protocols
Plyometric training (if appropriate)
Work conditioning
Maintenance program development

Exercise Program

Range of Motion

Restore shoulder mobility

Pendulum Swings

Gentle circular motions with arm hanging

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 each direction
Frequency: 3 times daily
Cross-Body Stretch

Pull arm across chest with opposite hand

Protocol: 3 sets x 30 seconds
Frequency: 3 times daily
Wall Slides

Slide arm up wall maintaining contact

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 reps
Frequency: Daily
Doorway Stretch

Stretch chest and front shoulder in doorway

Protocol: 3 sets x 30 seconds
Frequency: Daily
Strengthening

Build rotator cuff and shoulder strength

External Rotation

Rotate arm outward with resistance band

Protocol: 3 sets x 15 reps
Frequency: Daily
Internal Rotation

Rotate arm inward with resistance band

Protocol: 3 sets x 15 reps
Frequency: Daily
Scapular Squeezes

Squeeze shoulder blades together

Protocol: 3 sets x 15 reps
Frequency: Daily
Wall Push-ups

Modified push-ups against wall

Protocol: 3 sets x 10-15 reps
Frequency: Daily
Functional Training

Return to daily activities and sports

Overhead Reaching

Progressive overhead activities

Protocol: 3 sets x 10 reps
Frequency: Daily
Lifting Simulation

Practice lifting patterns with light weights

Protocol: 3 sets x 8-12 reps
Frequency: Daily
Sport-Specific Drills

Activities specific to your sport/work

Protocol: Progressive intensity
Frequency: 3-4 times weekly
Endurance Training

Low-intensity, high-repetition exercises

Protocol: 2-3 sets x 20-30 reps
Frequency: Daily
Prevention Strategies
Maintain good posture throughout the day
Strengthen rotator cuff and scapular muscles regularly
Warm up properly before overhead activities
Avoid repetitive overhead motions when possible
Use proper lifting techniques
Take breaks during repetitive activities
Address muscle imbalances early
Maintain shoulder flexibility with regular stretching
When to Seek Medical Attention
Sudden, severe shoulder pain after injury
Complete inability to lift arm
No improvement after 6-8 weeks of conservative treatment
Progressive weakness or muscle atrophy
Recommended Products for Recovery

Shoulder Supports

Braces and slings for recovery support

View Products

Ice Therapy

Cold therapy for pain and inflammation

View Products

Resistance Bands

Equipment for rotator cuff strengthening

View Products

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