Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for a rotator cuff rupture is concerned with restoring the function of the shoulder joint. This is achieved by a mixture of mobilizing and strengthening exercises, and later coordination and reaction training. Therapy depends on the healing process of the injury and begins in the first days with gentle stimuli to support healing.

After about a week, the intensity is increased and more demanding exercises can be started. Intensive build-up training is only possible after about 3 weeks in purified form and is then increased from time to time. During the therapy, the load specifications of the doctor are adhered to.

There should be no pain during the exercises. The therapy consists of techniques that the therapist exercises, but also includes exercises that the patient must perform independently in order to achieve a good therapeutic result. Within the scope of physiotherapy, measures from physical therapy such as fango, electrotherapy or cold therapy can also be applied.

Our article will show you how you can optimally strengthen your rotator cuff: Rotator cuff rupture – physiotherapy and “training the rotator cuff” Our article explains how you can optimally strengthen your rotator cuff: Rupture of the rotator cuff – physiotherapy and “training the rotator cuff” In addition to the measures carried out by the therapist, an intensive exercise program is essential for the patient, which should be carried out regularly and consistently even after the treatment.If tendons of the rotator cuff have torn once, the probability that they will tear again increases. A balanced exercise program that strengthens the muscles can counteract this. A Theraband exercise is an effective exercise that should only be performed when the shoulder is strong enough again.

The Theraband is grasped shoulder width and wrapped once around the hands so that it sits firmly and the palms of the hands face each other. The elbows are bent 90° and remain fixed to the chest during the entire exercise. The shorter the Theraband is grasped, the more difficult the exercise.

From an upright position, the arms are now turned outwards from the starting position so that the hands are now next to the body while the elbows remain still in place. The tension can be felt in the shoulder and between the shoulder blades. The exercise can be performed in 3-4 sets of 15 repetitions. A pause of about 30 seconds should be observed between sets. Further exercises that you can perform after a rotator cuff rupture can be found in our articles: Further exercises with the Theraband can be found in our article: Exercises with the Theraband

Exercises for the rotator cuff
Rotator cuff rupture – exercises to imitate