Make A Strong Rotator Cuff Recovery with Physiotherapy
Don’t Skip Your Physiotherapy Appointments After A Rotator Cuff Injury – Here’s Why!
It is estimated that as many as 2 million adults are diagnosed with rotator cuff injuries every year. Up to 80% of those patients initially choose non-surgical treatments, like physiotherapy, to repair and recover from the injury rather than undergoing a surgical procedure. Research suggests that approximately 90% of patients have positive outcomes and improved function with physiotherapy, especially when the rotator cuff injury is identified and treated early.
The decision for surgical repair is typically based on factors such as the severity of the injury, the patient’s age and activity level, and their response to non-surgical treatments. Fortunately, physiotherapy can help you prepare for surgery, promote healing, and improve your recovery, whether you have surgery or not.
Whether you need surgery or not, recover stronger than ever with physiotherapy for rotator cuff injuries.
What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint that plays a significant role in the movement and stability of the joint. The muscles work together to stabilize the shoulder joint and facilitate various movements, such as lifting and rotating the arm.
Rotator cuff injuries can occur due to a variety of causes.
- Repetitive overhead motions
- Sudden trauma or injury
- Degeneration due to aging
Physiotherapy Before and After Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
Considering rotator cuff surgery? Physiotherapy can be your secret weapon for a smoother journey before and after the procedure.
Pre-Surgery Advantage:
- Go into surgery stronger: Build muscle strength and control around your shoulder for better support during healing.
- Reduce pain and restore motion: Physiotherapists can use manual therapy techniques to minimize discomfort and improve range of motion.
- Recover faster: Stronger muscles translate to a quicker recovery and regaining full shoulder function.
- Prepare mentally: Understand what to expect post-surgery and gain strategies to optimize your recovery, boosting your confidence.
Post-Surgery Benefits:
- Manage pain effectively: Our therapists use a variety of manual techniques and modalities to keep pain at bay.
- Regain lost motion: Our team will help stretch and loosen any restrictions to restore your shoulder’s range of motion.
- Rebuild strength: Regain the strength you lost in your rotator cuff and supporting muscles.
- Return to your life: Physiotherapy’s ultimate goal is to help you use your shoulder fully again, allowing you to perform daily activities without limitations.
- Prevent future injuries: Learn exercises to maintain strength and flexibility in your shoulder, reducing the risk of re-injury.
By incorporating physiotherapy at PhysioPlus Health Group before and after surgery, you’re setting yourself up for a successful rotator cuff surgery experience!
Exercise of the Month
Shoulder Internal Rotation Stretch
(Shoulders, Rotator Cuff)
Start by standing up straight, holding a towel behind your back with one end over your shoulder and the other by your lower back. Grab the bottom end of the towel with your hand on the side you want to stretch and gently pull up on the towel with your other hand. Hold for 30 seconds. 2 Sets, 1 Rep.
(Materials needed: towel)
Expectations from Physiotherapy for Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation
Whether you opt for surgery or not, physiotherapy is often the primary approach for rotator cuff injury rehabilitation. Physiotherapy sessions may include a combination of techniques to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
- Functional movements to restore normal use of the shoulder
- Manual therapy to reduce pain and help improve blood flow
- Stretching to improve/restore shoulder range of motion
- Strengthening exercises to build the muscles in and around the shoulder joint and shoulder blades
Personalized Treatment with PhysioPlus Health Group
We begin every program with a detailed assessment of your health history and existing condition. Next, we conduct a comprehensive physical examination, including range of motion and strength testing. We’ll discuss your questions and concerns and set achievable goals for your recovery. You can expect a comprehensive therapy that includes:
- Emphasizing the importance of consistency with exercises to perform at home between sessions to maintain progress.
- Providing guidance on proper mechanics, posture, and techniques for activities involving the shoulder to prevent future injuries or re-injury of the rotator cuff.
- Preparing for a gradual reintroduction of activities and sports after recovery.
- Highlighting the significance of long-term maintenance through periodic check-ins, continued home exercises, and continuing a healthy lifestyle to maintain the strength and function of the rotator cuff.
A strong rotator cuff recovery with physiotherapy involves a comprehensive approach that addresses pre and post-surgery needs or non-surgical treatment. With the guidance of our skilled physiotherapists and your commitment to the rehabilitation process, you can regain shoulder function, mobility, and quality of life.
Early preparation and treatment are the keys to success, so give us a call today to schedule a consultation.
Sources: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/rotator-cuff-tears/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4827371/
The Importance of Home Exercises for Recovery
Home exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist play a crucial role in the recovery process for various musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. Studies show that consistent adherence to home exercise programs significantly improves functional outcomes and reduces the risk of re-injury.
With rotator cuff injuries, patients who diligently followed their prescribed home exercise regimen experienced better shoulder function and decreased pain levels compared to those who were less compliant.
Positive mental health is a big part of a successful recovery. Active participation in home exercises can provide patients with a sense of empowerment and ownership over their recovery journey. When patients take an active role in their rehabilitation, it fosters a positive mindset and motivation towards achieving their goals.
Our PTs will educate you on the proper technique for each prescribed exercise so you can optimize your recovery without missing a beat.
Source: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Adherence_to_Home_Exercise_Programs
Welcoming Our New Physiotherapist, Bikramjit Singh!
We’re delighted to introduce the newest member of our team, Osteopathic Practitioner, Bik Singh!
Bik brings a thoughtful, whole-body approach to care, with a special focus on helping patients who are experiencing all types of pain and injuries. With experience working in both international hospitals and rural communities, Bik offers a well-rounded and adaptable style of treatment that is always tailored to each individual.
He has a holistic approach to treatment, looking at how the body works as a whole, recognizing the connection between structure, movement, and overall health.
Treatment sessions may include gentle, hands-on techniques to improve mobility, release tension, and support better alignment, along with personalized exercises and guidance to help you feel stronger, more stable, and confident in your movement.
Bik works on identifying and addressing the root cause of pain, not just the symptoms, with the goal of supporting long-term healing, reduce pain, improved function, and overall well-being.
In addition to their clinical work, Bik is also a practitioner of Shaolin Kung Fu, which brings a unique and insightful understanding of movement, balance, and body mechanics into their care.
We’re thrilled to have Bik as part of our team and can’t wait for you to meet them!
If you’d like to book an appointment with Bik Singh or learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic.
Spring is coming, and it’s time to make sure your feet are ready for fun outdoor activities!
Whether you’re planning to hike, run, or just walk more, our Orthotics and Foot Care Services can help.
Our foot specialists, David Au and Eva Kim, can assess your feet and your walking or running mechanics, and diagnose any conditions that might be causing pain or affecting your mobility.
SERVICES TO HELP YOU GET BACK ON YOUR FEET
CUSTOM ORTHOTICS for:
- Heel Pain
- Foot & Arch Pain
- Flat Feet, Overpronation
- Bunions, Arthritis, Tendonitis
- Plantar Fasciitis
GAIT ANALYSIS for:
- Running Mechanics
- Walking Mechanics
- Shoe Recommendations
- Balance and Fall Risk Assessment
FOOT CARE for:
- Foot Pain, Bunions
- Diabetic Foot Care
- Conditions affecting walking
- Arthritis
- Flat Feet, nerve conditions
- Corn / Callus / Wart removal,
- Ingrown toenails
Our experienced chiropodists are here to help you with all your foot care needs.
Don’t let foot problems stop you from enjoying spring! Contact us today to schedule your appointment and let us help you put your best foot forward!
Congrats, Recent Physiotherapy Grads!
Congratulations to our recent Physiotherapy graduates! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to recovery have paid off. We’re so proud of your progress and can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll accomplish moving forward.
Attention All Runners…
A Free Running Workshop for You!
Running, Strength Training and Shoes!
How to Run Strong & Smart… and Reach Your Goals!
FREE Online Running Workshop
What: A Live Online Workshop
Where: On a Secure Zoom Webinar
When: Monday April 20, 2026 at 7 pm
Price: FREE!
Are you a runner looking to manage injuries, talk about shoe selection, and enhance your overall running experience?
The workshop will take place online via Zoom. You can participate from the comfort of your own home and get actionable at home pain relief tools and exercise tips to help you get back to normal.
Meet Your Running Experts
Lauren Kanko
- Registered Physiotherapist & Runner
- 15 years of Competitive Running and Triathlons
- Team Canada Age Group (Triathlon World Champs)
- Western University Cross Country & Track alumni
- Running Analysis & Gait Assessment
- Loves working with recreational and competitive runners
David Au
- Registered Chiropodist / Foot Specialist
- Clinical experience with sports and running injuries
- Educator for footwear types & running styles
- Completed Toronto Waterfront Half and Full marathons
- Extensive training in Gait Analysis & Prevention
Our Running Experts will share their 5 best-kept secrets to Running Pain free:
- 3 warm-up techniques to help your running
- Importance of strength training
- How to manage pain or injuries, and when to get help
- Footwear 101 – How to choose a shoe and features
- Build your foot and ankle resilience
- Live Q&A with health professionals
Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls
Warm, earthy, and a little spicy, these Vegan Turmeric Quinoa Power Bowls are a healthy, quick meal that are SO GOOD! The quinoa is seasoned and paired with turmeric roasted potatoes, flavorful chickpeas, and crispy kale, and then drizzled with a slightly sweet lemon tahini dressing that brings everything together.
Ingredients:
- 5 medium gold potatoes (about 1 pound, cut into 2-3″ wedges)
- 1 can (15-ounce) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup dry quinoa
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 1 large avocado, sliced
- 1/4 cup avocado oil (or coconut oil)
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp ground turmeric, divided
- 1 tsp black pepper, divided
- 1 tsp paprika
- Sea salt, to taste
Tahini Dressing
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
1/2 cup tahini
2 tbsp agave syrup
1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Prep the Potatoes: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Slice the potatoes into wedges and lay them flat on a large baking sheet. Drizzle or spray them with your avocado (or coconut) oil. Sprinkle with 1 tsp of turmeric, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and sea salt to taste. Toss to coat.
Start Roasting: Roast the potatoes in the oven for 15 minutes.
Prep the Chickpeas: While the potatoes roast, pat your drained chickpeas dry. Toss them in a mixing bowl with the paprika and a pinch of salt until evenly coated.
Finish Roasting: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Push the potatoes to one side of the pan and spread the seasoned chickpeas on the empty half. Return to the oven and roast for another 10 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Cook the Quinoa: Cook the quinoa according to the package directions. Once cooked, stir in the remaining 1 tsp of turmeric, 1/2 tsp of black pepper, and salt to taste. Mix well, fluff with a fork, and set aside to cool slightly.
Massage the Kale: Wash the chopped kale and place it in a bowl. Pour the 1/2 tbsp of olive oil over the leaves and use your hands to massage the oil into the kale until it softens and darkens in color. Divide the leaves among 4 bowls.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, agave syrup, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper until smooth.
Assemble: Top the massaged kale with the spiced quinoa, roasted potatoes, and crispy chickpeas. Add the sliced avocado, drizzle generously with the tahini dressing, and enjoy!
Get Back in the Game with Expert Physiotherapy
Don’t let a rotator cuff injury keep you on the sidelines. At PhysioPlus Health Group, we provide comprehensive rehabilitation strategies and injury prevention programming to help you return to peak performance safely and effectively.
Contact PhysioPlus Health Group To Schedule An Appointment
We will work with you at PhysioPlus Health Group to accommodate your needs by providing the most advanced rehabilitation strategies and injury prevention programming.
For more information, contact us today!
Sources: https://jfootankleres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13047-021-00480-w, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6602402/, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3103112/, https://www.jospt.org/doi/full/10.2519/jospt.2018.7426