The rotator cuff is the name for a group of muscles and connective tissue that helps connect the arm to the torso at the shoulder. As the name suggests, it is responsible for rotating the arms and carrying out other movements for so many of the activities required during everyday life.
Like other important joints in the body, such as the hips and knees, the shoulders are prone to injury because of the amount of stress that is placed on them while having to be flexible enough to enable movement. Our rotator cuffs are prone to a number of injuries, including strains, sprains and even tears. When these injuries occur, rotator cuff physical therapy can be so effective because it addresses both the symptoms and the core causes that lead to shoulder problems.
If you’re a patient seeking rotator cuff physical therapy in Harmony, Pennsylvania, Panther Physical Therapy is here for you. We have a state-of-the-art clinic right in town, staffed by experts who are trained to deliver compassionate, individualized care. To help you better understand what to expect when you come to us for help, we’ve prepared the following guide.
What to expect from a physical therapist performing rotator cuff treatment
Since every patient is different, it follows that no two treatment plans are going to be the same. To properly assess your rotator cuff injury and any contributing factors, a physical therapist generally needs to first take these steps:
- Review your medical and treatment history, including any imagery such as an MRI or X-ray
- Ask you detailed questions about your shoulder pain and how your daily activities are being affected
- Perform a hands-on examination to check for painful spots and any visible issues
- Carry out movement tests to test for range of motion and shoulder stability
With this information, your therapist can begin to recommend treatment options that can make up your physical therapy program. Rotator cuff physical therapy typically consists of targeted exercises to strengthen and stabilize the shoulder, stretches and movements to increase range of motion, manual therapy and other techniques.
Rotator cuff physical therapy expertise near you
Harmony residents living with shoulder pain due to a rotator cuff injury, don’t wait another day to find the relief you deserve. Contact the caring team at Panther Physical Therapy today to schedule your initial appointment.