Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
The Rotator Cuff: Four Muscles, One Critical Function
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, subscapularis) that stabilise the shoulder joint and control rotation. These muscles and their tendons are subjected to enormous repetitive stress in overhead activities, making them vulnerable to tendinopathy and tears. Rotator cuff problems are the most common cause of shoulder pain, affecting people of all ages from overhead athletes to desk workers to the elderly.
Types of Rotator Cuff Injury
Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: Degeneration of the tendon without complete disruption. Responds excellently to physiotherapy. Partial Thickness Tear: Partial disruption of the tendon. Most partial tears respond to physiotherapy without surgery. Full Thickness Tear: Complete disruption. Smaller tears often managed conservatively; larger tears in younger, active patients may require surgery.
Physiotherapy Treatment Protocol
Phase 1: Pain Control
Rest from aggravating activities, ice/heat, electrotherapy (IFT, ultrasound, laser), and gentle range of motion exercises. Posture correction begins immediately as forward head posture narrows the subacromial space.
Phase 2: Strengthening
Progressive rotator cuff strengthening is the cornerstone of treatment. We begin with isometric exercises, progress to isotonic exercises with elastic resistance, and eventually load through range. Scapular stabiliser strengthening is equally important — a stable scapular base allows the rotator cuff to function optimally.
Phase 3: Functional Rehabilitation
Sport-specific or occupation-specific movement patterns are rehabilitated. For overhead athletes, this includes progressive return to throwing/serving. For workers, this includes retraining of specific work tasks.
Phase 4: Return to Full Activity
Criteria-based return with ongoing maintenance exercise programme to prevent recurrence.
Rotator Cuff Physiotherapy in Faridabad
At Realign Rehab Clinic, NIT-5, Faridabad, we have helped hundreds of patients avoid rotator cuff surgery through expert physiotherapy. Book your shoulder assessment today.