Rotator Cuff Repairs

The rotator cuff plays a vital role in stabilizing and moving your shoulder. After an injury or surgery, restoring that function requires careful, progressive rehabilitation. At Access Physical Therapy, we help you regain strength, motion, and confidence—step by step.

What It Is

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Tears can result from trauma, overuse, or age-related degeneration. In many cases, surgery is required to repair the tendon and restore shoulder function.

Recovery doesn’t stop after surgery—rehabilitation is crucial to ensure proper healing, prevent stiffness, and rebuild strength safely.

What to Expect

Rotator cuff rehab typically follows a multi-phase protocol based on healing timelines. We’ll coordinate closely with your orthopedic surgeon and tailor your care accordingly.

Your therapy may include:

• Passive and assisted range of motion exercises (early phase)

• Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and protect the repair site

• Gradual progression to active shoulder movement

• Strengthening of the rotator cuff, scapular stabilizers, and upper back

• Functional retraining for reaching, lifting, and overhead tasks

• Return-to-work or sport planning based on your goals

We take great care to avoid stressing the healing tissue while progressively reintroducing movement and load.

Who It’s For

• Patients recovering from rotator cuff repair surgery

• Individuals with partial-thickness tears undergoing conservative treatment

• Athletes, workers, or active adults returning to overhead activity

• Anyone with limited shoulder mobility, pain, or weakness post-injury

Why It Matters

The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body. Without proper rehabilitation, rotator cuff injuries can lead to chronic pain, frozen shoulder, or limited function. Our goal is to help you move freely, lift confidently, and return to life without restriction.