The rotator cuff is made up of 4 muscles and their tendons attach them to bone. The rotator cuff muscles function to maintain the head of the humerus in the socket of the shoulder and assists in arm motion by guiding the shoulder. Rotator cuff tears are termed partial thickness or full thickness based on the severity of the tear and tears can develop from either a traumatic event (acute) or long term overuse (chronic). Rotator cuff tears cause pain in the shoulder and/or down the outer portion of the upper arm that increases with shoulder motion and when attempting to sleep on the involved shoulder. It also leads to restriction in shoulder motion and decreased strength in the shoulder.
Whether you have surgery for your rotator cuff tear or if you decide to manage your injury conservatively with Physical Therapy, the Physical Therapists at Apple Physical Therapy will design a personalized treatment plan specific to you and your injury that will include range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and strength in your shoulder to allow you to return to normal daily activity. We will include manual therapy techniques such as massage and stretching of the shoulder and surrounding muscles to restore normal motion of the shoulder and arm. If necessary, your PT may elect to use modalities such as heat, ice and/or electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and ready the body for exercise.
With convenient locations in both Cherry Hill NJ and Marlton NJ, Apple Physical Therapy proudly serves such areas as Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Berlin, Moorestown and all of South Jersey’s Camden and Burlington counties. If you are looking for a Physical Therapist in the Cherry Hill area, we welcome you to our practice. Meet our team and schedule your appointment with us today!