Rotator Cuff Pain Treatment

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and enable overhead movement. Rotator cuff problems range from tendinitis and bursitis to partial and full-thickness tears, and they are among the most common shoulder conditions we treat.

Symptoms typically include pain with reaching overhead, difficulty sleeping on the affected side, weakness when lifting, and a deep ache in the shoulder. These symptoms can develop gradually from repetitive use or appear suddenly after an injury.

Physical therapy is the recommended first-line treatment for most rotator cuff conditions, including many partial tears. Research consistently shows that conservative management with physical therapy produces outcomes comparable to surgery for the majority of rotator cuff patients.

Our treatment approach addresses both the immediate pain and the underlying mechanical issues contributing to the problem:

• Manual therapy — Joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques to restore shoulder mobility and reduce pain
• Rotator cuff strengthening — Progressive exercises targeting the four rotator cuff muscles to rebuild stabilization and force control
• Scapular stabilization — Strengthening the muscles that control shoulder blade movement, which is essential for proper rotator cuff function
• Posture correction — Addressing rounded shoulders and forward head posture that increase impingement risk
• Activity modification — Guidance on how to continue daily activities while protecting the healing tissues
• Return to function — Sport- or job-specific exercises to prepare you for full return to activity

Your evaluation includes detailed shoulder range of motion testing, strength assessment of individual rotator cuff muscles, special provocation tests, and screening of the cervical spine and thoracic posture. This comprehensive approach ensures we identify all contributing factors.

Most patients with rotator cuff tendinitis or bursitis begin feeling improvement within two to four weeks. Partial tears typically require a longer course of care — eight to twelve weeks — with gradual progression of strengthening. Your therapist will discuss realistic expectations based on your specific diagnosis.

If you have had rotator cuff surgery, we follow evidence-based post-operative protocols in coordination with your surgeon. Post-surgical rehabilitation typically begins within the first week after surgery and progresses over three to six months.