Shoulder Rotator Cuff Injury:

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The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow smooth, controlled movement. Injury occurs when these tendons become irritated, strained, or torn, often due to repetitive overhead activity, sudden trauma, or age‑related changes.

Because the shoulder relies heavily on rotator cuff stability, even mild irritation can lead to pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting the arm. Physiotherapy is essential for restoring proper mechanics and preventing long‑term dysfunction.

• Tendinopathy — Overuse‑related tendon irritation or degeneration
• Partial‑thickness tears — Fraying or incomplete tearing of the tendon
• Full‑thickness tears — Complete disruption of tendon fibers
• Impingement syndrome — Tendon compression under the acromion
• Bursitis — Inflammation of the subacromial bursa
• Post‑surgical rotator cuff repair — Rehabilitation following tendon reattachment

• Pain when lifting the arm or reaching overhead
• Weakness or difficulty raising the arm
• Night pain, especially when lying on the affected side
• Clicking or catching sensations
• Reduced shoulder mobility
• Pain during throwing, lifting, or repetitive overhead tasks

Symptoms may worsen with activity and improve temporarily with rest.

• Repetitive overhead movements (sports, trades, lifting)
• Poor shoulder mechanics or posture
• Sudden trauma (fall, heavy lift, forceful pull)
• Age‑related tendon thinning
• Muscle imbalance or weakness
• Previous shoulder injuries

Physiotherapy identifies the specific tendon involved, restores proper shoulder mechanics, and strengthens the stabilizing muscles to prevent reinjury.

• Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility
• Joint mobilization to restore glenohumeral and scapular mechanics
• Biomechanics analysis to correct movement faults contributing to tendon irritation
• Strengthening protocols targeting rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
• Neuromuscular training for coordinated shoulder control
• Dry needling for deep muscle tension
• Activity modification education to reduce tendon overload
• Scientific‑guided rehab for progressive strengthening and safe return to activity

Your physiotherapist will perform:

• Rotator cuff strength testing
• Shoulder mobility and stability assessment
• Scapular movement evaluation
• Impingement and tendon‑specific tests
• Posture and biomechanics analysis
• Palpation to identify tendon involvement
• Review of imaging (ultrasound, MRI) if available
• A personalized rehabilitation plan based on your goals and activity level

Book an assessment if you experience:

• Pain when lifting or reaching overhead
• Weakness or difficulty raising the arm
• Night pain or discomfort when lying on the shoulder
• Clicking or catching sensations
• A recent injury involving lifting or falling

Prompt treatment prevents small tendon injuries from progressing into larger tears.