Rotator Cuff Physical Therapy Exercises - The Building Blocks of Recovery

Rotator cuff physical therapy exercises are the first phase in recovery from any of the rotator cuff disorders. If you have a tear, tendonitis, impingement or have had surgery; physical therapy will be the starting point of your recovery.

So, what happens next? As an example, rotator cuff tear therapy will be followed by a rehabilitation phase and then finally strengthening. No matter what condition it is you have developed this is the basic progress map.

Rotator cuff rehabilitation starts, pretty much, as soon after injury or surgery as possible. If it is after surgery then you should be given a rehabilitation protocol to work through. If it's a fresh injury then a physical therapist will likely be involved. The key message is the sooner the better.

What is involved?

These are very simple exercises that are completed passively, isometrically or supported in some way. Little or no stress is put on the healing joint and absolutely no additional weight is used.

These exercises should be repeated in sets of up to 10. They should be done 2 or 3 times per day. Remember to warm up before and ice afterwards. A little discomfort is to be expected but if it is painful you are pushing too hard so STOP.

It is important to exercises in a range of ways, or planes of movement, to ensure the whole of the cuff is exercised equally. This is to ensure muscle balance; a key to regaining strength and especially stability in the joint.

Rotator cuff physical therapy exercises

Isometric - Isometric exercises are designed to contract muscles without any actual movement. They maintain and build muscle strength without risking joint damage as you heal.

Passively - You, or probably someone, else moves the arm for you. Initially this will most certainly be a Physical Therapist. During passive exercises, your shoulder joint is moved, but your muscles stay relaxed. Your therapist gently moves your joint and gradually stretches your arm. You should be taught how to do passive exercises at home.

Supported - A variation on a theme. Similar to assisted but using a table or similar rather than another person for support.

A variation is the pendulum swing. Although not classically passive or assisted it is another of those rotator cuff exercises that allow motion without strain.

The benefits

• Begin to immediately restore range of motion.


• Increases strength and stability


• Increase blood flow to the affected area.


• Prevent scarring.


• Builds confidence.


• Speeds recovery

The types of exercise outlined above form the basis of any rehabilitation protocol. There is a wide range of rotator cuff physical therapy exercises available, join me to learn more.