Physiotherapy For Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Ligament Injury
What Is The Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that attach to the bones of the shoulder joint, allowing the shoulder to move and keeping it stable.
Tendinitis refers to irritation of these tendons and inflammation of the bursa (a normally smooth layer) lining these tendons. A shoulder ligament injury occurs when one of the tendons is torn from the bone from overuse or injury.
Each one of these muscles is part of the rotator cuff and plays an important role:
- Supraspinatus: this holds your humerus in place, keeps your upper arm stable, and helps lift your arm.
- Infraspinatus: this is the main muscle that lets you rotate and extend your shoulder.
- Teres Minor: this is the smallest rotator cuff muscle. Its main job is to assist with rotation of the arm away from the body.
- Subscapularis: this holds your upper arm bone to your shoulder blade and helps you rotate your arm, hold it straight out and lower it.
Both surgical and non surgical options are available when a person tears their shoulder ligaments, including physiotherapy treatments.
Common Types Of Rotator Cuff Injury
There are a number of conditions that can affect your shoulder ligaments. The main ones are listed below.
- Rotator cuff tear
This is when one or more of the muscles and tendons that make up your rotator cuff tear. You can have a partial or a full-thickness tear. Tears can develop after an injury or if you dislocate your shoulder. Small tears can also develop in the tendon after general wear and tear over a long period of time.
- Tendinopathy
This is when you have pain in and around the tendons because they are no longer able to repair themselves properly. It is usually because of wear and tear, and is experienced as pain and weakness associated with movements of the shoulder. This can result from an excessive load on the tissues, such as overexertion during sports.
You can also have a combination of wear and tear with an injury, which is why shoulder injuries or pain can become more common over the age of 40. Shoulder ligament injuries can increase in pain and severity over time, and it is recommended to seek out physiotherapy treatment and other non surgical options early.
Signs & Symptoms Of Rotator Cuff Injury
- Pain over the top of the shoulder and arm, which can travel down the outside of the arm all the way to the elbow
- Difficulty lifting the arm overhead or difficulty with activities such as reaching, getting dressed, or carrying objects
- A clicking or grating sound when you move your shoulder
Treatment Options For Rotator Cuff Injury
Most shoulder ligament tears can be treated without surgery. In fact, only a small minority of patients end up undergoing surgical treatment.
Non Surgical Rotator Cuff Treatments May Include:
- Physical therapy or physiotherapy treatments
- Anti-Inflammatory medications
- Cortisone injections
Non surgical treatment should be attempted first in almost every situation of a rotator cuff injury. If non surgical and physiotherapy treatments do not adequately alleviate symptoms or allow for normal function of the shoulder, then a surgical solution may be considered.
How Can Physiotherapy Help With Rotator Cuff Injury?
- Reducing pain and muscle tension in the scapular and neck area to promote the motility of the scapula.
- Improving the wrong humeral head position to restore scapulo-humeral mobility.
- Regain proprioception and movement automatism by neuromotor rehabilitation.
Our trained physiotherapists will prescribe therapy exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and can help reduce the demands on the injured rotator cuff. Find out more in our FAQs before reaching out to us for a consultation on treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rotator Cuff & Shoulder Ligament Injury
How do I know if my shoulder is hurting from the rotator cuff?
Rotator cuff pain usually feels like a dull ache in the shoulder that may worsen with certain movements, especially when lifting your arm or reaching overhead. You might also experience shoulder weakness, trouble sleeping on the affected side, or pain when lifting or rotating your arm. If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s important to get a proper assessment to determine if your rotator cuff is affected.
How do you reset your rotator cuff?
The term “reset” isn’t typically used for rotator cuff injuries. However, healing and restoring function involves rest, specific exercises, and sometimes manual therapy. Treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, improving strength and flexibility, and gradually returning to normal shoulder movements. Physiotherapy is the safest and most effective method to support and guide your recovery.
How to sleep with rotator cuff injury?
To sleep comfortably with a rotator cuff injury:
- Avoid lying on the injured shoulder.
- Sleep on your back or unaffected side.
- Place a pillow under your arm for support.
- Make sure your neck and shoulder are aligned with a comfortable pillow.
These adjustments can reduce pressure and make sleeping less painful.
How can I fix my rotator cuff naturally?
Many rotator cuff injuries can heal naturally with:
- Rest and avoiding painful activities
- Cold or heat therapy to manage pain
- Gentle exercises and stretching
- Postural improvements to reduce strain
Physiotherapy helps speed up this natural healing process by guiding you through safe movements and exercises tailored to your condition.
Is physiotherapy good for rotator cuff injury?
Yes, physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for rotator cuff injuries. It helps reduce pain, restore shoulder strength, and improve range of motion. A physiotherapist will guide you through exercises, manual therapy, and posture correction to promote healing and prevent re-injury.
What is the best exercise for rotator cuff injury?
Some helpful exercises for rotator cuff injuries include:
- Pendulum swings for gentle mobility
- Isometric shoulder exercises (like pressing your hand into a wall)
- External rotation exercises using a resistance band
- Scapular retraction to improve shoulder stability
It’s important to perform these under guidance and avoid any movement that causes pain.
Is it okay to work out my rotator cuff when it's hurting?
If your shoulder is experiencing sharp pain, it’s best to avoid exercising until the pain subsides. Once the inflammation settles, gentle and controlled exercises can help with healing. Overdoing it or using incorrect form can make the injury worse. A physiotherapist can help you know when to start and which exercises are safe for your recovery stage.
