A baseball pitcher throwing ball after ball, a gymnast supporting her entire body weight on her arms, and a football player absorbing the shock of an impact, all have something in common. Their upper bodies are taking a beating. With many sports, including baseball, gymnastics, football, volleyball, tennis, and swimming, we push our shoulders to…
Rotator Cuff Tears
Why is My Friend’s Rotator Cuff Repair Physical Therapy Progressing Faster Than Mine?
There are many reasons physical therapists (PTs) or orthopedic surgeons may progress patients with rotator cuff repairs at different paces. It is important to realize that rotator cuff tears range from small to massive in size. A small tear, less than one centimeter in length, will have more healthy rotator cuff tissue adjacent to…
Shoulder Rotator Cuff Tears and Treatments
Millions of people experience shoulder pain each year, and one of the most common causes is a rotator cuff tear. Rotator cuff injuries were first recorded in 300 BC by Hippocrates when he noted the prevalence of injuries associated with tendons in the shoulder. While the prevalence of rotator cuff injuries remains the same today,…
Rotator Cuff Tears
Shoulder pain is one of the most common problems that I see. Many patients present with an acute onset of pain and know exactly how the pain started, such as the patient who is lifting weights in the gym and feels a ripping sensation in the front part of his shoulder. Other patients may have…