Do you really need physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery?

Different treatments are available for a torn rotator cuff depending on the severity of the injury. In some cases, you may need a little rest and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be required. So, if you have to have surgery for a torn rotator cuff, why is it that doctors recommend you visit a physical therapist for additional treatment? After all, is it really necessary if you’ve already had surgery? 

Well, it turns out that physical therapists are skilled in a variety of treatments that can improve your recovery after torn rotator cuff surgery.

Why you need physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery

Physical therapists are skilled health care professionals who specialize in natural treatments that empower your body’s own healing processes. These treatments can help you avoid surgery in the first place, but, sometimes, it’s still necessary for severe injuries.

When you need to have surgery for a torn rotator cuff, you should talk to a physical therapist about pre-surgical and post-surgical physical therapy. Seeing a physical therapist for treatment before and after your rotator cuff surgery has many benefits, including:

• It reduces your pain — Physical therapy exercises and mobilization treatments help reduce pressure off the recovering soft tissue, which helps reduce pain.
• It improves your range of motion — Exercises, manual therapy and other techniques can help stretch and strengthen the muscles and soft tissue. This can improve your range of motion, which is limited following your torn rotator cuff surgery.
• It breaks down scar tissue — The buildup of scar tissue after surgery can be painful and further limits your range of motion. Physical therapists use manual therapy to break down scar tissue and help prevent it from causing pain and stiffness.

Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy for physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery

Do you have a torn rotator cuff that is too severe for noninvasive treatments alone? Don’t worry. Physical therapy can still help improve the quality of your recovery so you can regain the use of your shoulder and arm faster than you may think. Contact our team today for more information about physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery or to schedule an initial appointment.