Occupational Therapy - Rotator Cuff Injuries
Since rotator cuff surgery is extremely complex, occupational therapy used in recovery from this surgery can last 3-6 months. Our occupational therapists usually begin treatment with passive range of motion exercises (basic stretching), as well as modality use (eg, hot packs, ultrasound, ice). This decreases tension within the shoulder and improves the elasticity of the muscles. Then, our occupational therapists educate patients about active assisted range of motion exercises (eg, cane exercises, pulleys) as well as general active non-assisted range of motion exercises. Eventually, general strengthening is initiated with basic free weights, progressing to job/functional simulation tasks, to fully regain strength.