If a minor rotator cuff tear heals on its own over time, you may wonder if strengthening and stretching exercises are still necessary. In short, yes, strengthening and stretching exercises are still necessary and are a vital part of the rehab process for a partial tear regardless of severity.
Let’s dive into why ongoing rehab is essential for shoulder health, even after you’re feeling better.
Think about all the ways we use our shoulders daily—from reaching up to grab dishes from a cabinet to lifting heavy grocery bags or even pushing a lawnmower. Each of these activities relies on the rotator cuff muscles to stabilize the shoulder and control movement. After a rotator cuff injury, the shoulder’s function can decrease, leading to limitations and discomfort during simple tasks.
Without proper rehab, these day-to-day movements can become difficult. Compensating with other muscles to perform these tasks can lead to new issues over time, affecting your quality of life and overall shoulder health.
Why strength and flexibility matter after a rotator cuff injury
In general, the rotator cuff’s primary function is to stabilize the shoulder joint by compressing the humeral head against the glenoid cavity. It also helps the shoulder move by enabling vertical, horizontal, and rotational movement of the arm.
After a rotator cuff injury, if the strength and flexibility aren’t fully restored, you may experience symptoms like stiffness, limited range of motion, and a dull ache that intensifies with certain activities. Some people feel a nagging weakness that makes it harder to lift objects or even reach overhead comfortably.
Additionally, when a person develops an injury in the rotator cuff muscles, they are likely to develop compensatory patterns to account for the lack of mobility or increased shoulder pain. Over time, this can cause pain in the neck or upper back, as these areas begin compensating for the shoulder limitations. Furthermore, without regular stretching, issues such as frozen shoulder or even early-onset arthritis can arise, complicating recovery and impacting long-term shoulder health.
Gentle stretching during recovery can aid in reducing stiffness and restoring range of motion.
Rebuilding strength around the shoulder is also crucial during rehab, even after healing has occurred. It is important to continue strength training to prevent re-injury and ensure the shoulder can handle everyday movements.
Physical therapy for rotator cuff rehabilitation
Even after healing, maintaining shoulder health is essential.
Physical therapy-guided exercises target not only the rotator cuff muscles but also supportive muscles, such as the mid and lower trapezius, that aid in shoulder stability and function. During your sessions, a physical therapist will guide you through exercises to gradually improve your shoulder’s mobility and build strength around the joint.
Targeted strengthening improves the overall resilience of the shoulder and can help prevent compensatory movement patterns that strain other areas.
For a tailored exercise plan that addresses your specific needs, a visit to a physical therapist is recommended. A PT can assess any remaining weakness or deficits and guide you through exercises that will optimize your shoulder’s recovery and help prevent future injuries.
Additionally, therapists can teach you ways to safely perform daily activities that place stress on the shoulder, helping prevent further injury.
Ready to Regain Shoulder Strength and Mobility?
Even after healing, continuing shoulder exercises is essential to ensure long-term shoulder health. Connect with one of our physical therapists to receive a customized plan for restoring your shoulder’s full potential. Schedule your consultation today, and let’s work together to get you back to full strength.
Looking for more shoulder resources?
Understanding Shoulder Pain: Insights from a Physical Therapist
Shoulder pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal issues people face. While minor shoulder discomfort may resolve with rest and self-care, persistent or worsening symptoms warrant attention from a qualified healthcare professional.
Shoulder Pain and Injury
The most important aspect of shoulder pain control is to be aware that active exercise of proper intensity, duration, and especially proper technique is much more beneficial than quiet rest for the injured shoulder.
Prone T’s: Take Your Mid-Back & Shoulder Strength to a New Level
This one is called Prone T’s, and it will help to strengthen the muscles of your mid-back — typically one of the weakest muscle groups for many people. This exercise is excellent for your scapula stabilizer muscles and your rotator cuff muscles.
