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OVERVIEW

Rotator Cuff Tears

When a young person experiences trauma, such as a fall, rotator cuff tears can occur. Rotator cuff tears can also occur in seniors and middle-aged individuals. This is usually due to a gradual wear out of the tendon(s) of the rotator. Rotator cuff tear symptoms include pain radiating from the shoulder down to the arm, weakness, and, in some cases, complete loss of arm lift ability. An arthrogram is one of the diagnostic tests. This involves injecting radio-opaque dye into the shoulder. If it leaks from the rotator-cuff, it can either be seen on an x-ray or ultrasound. However, an M.R.I. will not be performed. The most commonly used test for diagnosing is the rotator wrist.

The treatment of young and middle-aged patients involves either open or arthroscopic repair of the torn tendon. Activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy are all common for older patients. Cortisone injections, cortisone injections, and activity modification are also options. Patients with severe pain or dysfunction who do not respond to conservative treatment may consider surgery.

GOALS

Possible Treatment Goals

  • Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
  • Improve Fitness
  • Improve Function
  • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
  • Increase Oxygen to Tissues
  • Improve Proprioception
  • Improve Range of Motion
  • Self-care of Symptoms
  • Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities
  • Improve Wound Healing
RESOURCES

Additional Resources

PHYSICAL THERAPY PROGRAM
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BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING
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CUPPING
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ELECTRICAL STIMULATION
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IASTM
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DEEP TISSUE LASER THERAPY

TRIGGER POINT THERAPY
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PELVIC FLOOR REHAB
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CONCUSSION THERAPY
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DYNAMIC TAPING
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FUNCTIONAL DRY NEEDLING
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MANUAL THERAPY

TOTAL MOTION RELEASE
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VESTIBULAR THERAPY
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COLD COMPRESSION THERAPY
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ASTYM
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ACTIVE RELEASE TECHNIQUE
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SPORTS REHAB

ULTRASOUND
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SPINAL MANIPULATION
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SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION
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PEDIATRIC PHYSICAL THERAPY
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ORTHOPEDIC THERAPY
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THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE

ELBOW, WRIST & HAND PAIN 
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FOOT & ANKLE PAIN 
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BACK PAIN & SCIATICA 
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SHOULDER PAIN 
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HIP & KNEE PAIN 
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ARTHRITIS 

BALANCE & GAIT DISORDERS
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MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT INJURIES
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NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS 
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PRE-SURGICAL REHAB 
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SPORTS INJURY CLINIC

VERTIGO & DIZZINESS
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STROKE
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TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY
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CHRONIC PAIN
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FIBROMYALGIA

NECK PAIN & HEADACHES
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POST-SURGICAL REHAB
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TORTICOLLIS
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WORK INJURIES 
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PARKINSON’S DISEASE