When Kim Armstead tore her rotator cuff, finding a physical therapist at Lane Outpatient Therapy was at the top of a very short list. “Living in Ethel and working at Lane made attending physical therapy there an easy choice,” says Kim. Kim works in the lab at Lane Regional Medical Center, so not only was it a convenient option, but her husband, Dexter, and daughter, Autumn, had also previously rehabbed with the physical therapists at Lane.
Physical Therapy after Rotator Cuff Debridement
The muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint and are essential to its stability and mobility are known as the rotator cuff. Pain, limited range of motion, and general shoulder dysfunction can result from these tendons being harmed by trauma, aging, or degenerative diseases.
While Kim can’t pinpoint exactly what caused her rotator cuff tear, she underwent surgery shortly after the diagnosis. “The doctors debrided the rotator cuff and also cleaned out some arthritis while they were in there. I started physical therapy a few days later,” remembers Kim.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy After a Rotator Cuff Tear
Physical therapy is an essential part of the recovery process following a rotator cuff tear. This treatment provides several advantages to patients in aiding their recovery and regaining maximum shoulder function, regardless of the extent of the tear. Here are a few of the benefits that physical therapy offers to get Kim back in action after her surgery.
- Pain Reduction: In order to reduce pain and inflammation brought on by the tear, physical therapists use a variety of treatments, including manual therapy and modalities like cold or heat.
- Improved Range of Motion: Rotator cuff injuries frequently limit shoulder movement. With stretching exercises and joint mobilizations, physical therapy can restore and enhance your range of motion.
- Individualized Treatment: The intensity of the rotator cuff tear and each patient's unique needs are considered while designing physical therapy. An expert physical therapist will evaluate your health and provide a personalized plan to meet your specific needs and objectives.
- Strengthening Muscles: One of the most important aspects of therapy is building muscular strength around the shoulder joint. To improve joint stability and function, a physical therapist will create a customized training program that progressively strengthens the rotator cuff muscles and other shoulder stabilizers.
- Functional Training: Your physical therapist will lead you through exercises and movements tailored to your goals and everyday routine. This can involve doing things like reaching up, lifting things, or engaging in sports or leisure activities.
Compassionate Care and Interaction at Lane Outpatient Therapy
Lane Outpatient Therapy is a team of established physical, occupational, and speech therapy professionals who provide a wide array of services tailored to the individual needs of their patients. Sessions are one-on-one with an experienced licensed therapist, ensuring consistent, skilled intervention to reach goals more quickly. While Kim was rehabbing her shoulder, she worked with all three physical therapists. “The interaction was great. I saw Kacey, Scott, and Kim. It was truly personalized care, and they were there for me the entire time.”
