Réhabital
Rotator Cuff Tear Rehabilitation
A rotator cuff tear does not automatically mean surgery. Many partial tears, and even some full thickness tears in less active people, regain excellent function with well managed rehabilitation.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that centre the humeral head in the socket. The supraspinatus is most often involved, through degenerative wear after 40 or through trauma in athletes. Typical pain sits on the outer arm, increases with overhead movement and disrupts sleep on the affected side. Imaging frequently shows tears in pain free people: the link between tear size and disability is weak, which is why a functional approach matters.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Tendon degeneration
The tendon weakens with age and reduced blood supply.
Subacromial impingement
A narrow space under the acromion gradually wears the supraspinatus.
Acute trauma
A fall on an outstretched arm or a sudden pull can tear an already fragile tendon.
Poor scapular control
A mispositioned shoulder blade changes mechanics and overloads the cuff.
Our Treatment Approach
Conservative care rests on three pillars: reduce pain (manual therapy, soft tissue work, acupuncture if useful), restore scapulothoracic and glenohumeral mobility, then rebuild strength through a strict progression from pain free isometrics to band rotations and finally overhead loading. After surgical repair we follow the surgeon timeline: sling, passive range, active assisted, active, then strengthening from month three. Osteopathy addresses the thoracic spine and ribs, whose stiffness limits arm elevation.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A twelve week conservative programme is standard; post-surgical rehabilitation runs four to six months.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Avoid painful overhead movements early on.
- Sleep with a pillow supporting the affected arm.
- Do band rotation exercises daily.
- Do not fully immobilise the shoulder without instruction.
- Progress load slowly and without sharp pain.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Around 70 to 80 percent of degenerative tears treated conservatively reach satisfying function. Full thickness traumatic tears in young active patients are more often repaired.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Come in if shoulder pain lasts more than two weeks, or promptly if you suddenly cannot lift the arm after a fall.
Why Réhabital Clinic
We dose load precisely and treat shoulder, scapula and thoracic spine together, which prevents recovery plateaus.
Recommended Services for This Condition
Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
Related Conditions
Why Choose Réhabital?
Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
Relieve Your Pain Today
Book online or call us for a comprehensive assessment with our qualified professionals.
Book Now