29/10/2025
ROTATOR CUFF TEAR:
A rotator cuff tear is an injury affecting the rotator cuff, which can result in shoulder pain and limit the use of your arm. The rotator cuff comprises a group of muscles and tendons in the shoulder that facilitate the lifting and movement of the arms away from the body.
CLASSIFICATION OF TEARS
1. Small tear: less than 1 cm
2. Medium tear: 1-3 cm
3. Large tear: 3-5 cm
4. Massive tear: greater than 5 cm.
QUESTION OF THE DAY!!
What is the most commonly injured muscle of the rotator cuff?
ANSWER: Supraspinatus!
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS⚠️
• severe pain at time of injury
• pain at night
• pain with overhead activities
• positive painful arc sign
• weakness of involved muscle
• shoulder stiffness.
EPIDEMIOLOGY:
10 - 20 % overall prevalence in the general population
2-3 CASES per 1,000 persons.
60 - 80 years old (Rates rise steeply after 40)
RISK FACTORS‼️
• Falling on an outstretched arm.
• Lifting a heavy object with a sudden, jerking motion.
• A direct blow to the shoulder.
• Traumatic shoulder dislocation.
• Acute tears are more common in younger, active individuals, especially Athletes
PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT:
When examining or rehabilitating the shoulder, it's important to target each rotator cuff muscle as specifically as possible. These muscles can become tired, injured, or weakened one at a time, so isolating them helps identify and address individual problems. Physical therapy is especially helpful when it's included as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
PHYSICAL THERAPY MANAGEMENT INCLUDES EXERCISES LIKE:
Codman’s Exercises (Pendulum motion of the arm)
Wall Slides
Sperry’s Exercise (Pendulum motion of the arm with weights)
Assisted Range of Motion Exercises
Band Exercises
Wand Exercises
Isometric Exercises
