Make A Strong Rotator Cuff Recovery with Physical Therapy

Don’t Skip Your Physical Therapy 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 in the United States. Up to 80% of those patients initially choose non-surgical treatments, like physical therapy, 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 physical therapy, 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, physical therapy 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 physical therapy 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 

Physical Therapy Before and After Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery 

Considering rotator cuff surgery? Physical therapy 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: Physical therapists 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: Physical therapy’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 physical therapy at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy before and after surgery, you’re setting yourself up for a successful rotator cuff surgery experience!

Whether you opt for surgery or not, physical therapy is often the primary approach for rotator cuff injury rehabilitation. Physical therapy sessions may include a combination of techniques to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

  • 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 
  • Functional movements to restore normal use of the shoulder

Personalized Treatment with Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy

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 physical therapy involves a comprehensive approach that addresses pre and post-surgery needs or non-surgical treatment. With the guidance of our skilled physical therapists 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.

  • 2 cups white whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
  • 3/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 egg

Follow Us on Instagram!

Stay connected with Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy! Follow us on Instagram for wellness tips, exercise ideas, and a behind-the-scenes look at our team in action. Don’t miss out! ✨

  • Stay Hydrated: With the summer heat, dehydration is a concern. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated during outdoor activities.
  • Firework Safety: If you plan to handle fireworks, follow safety guidelines strictly. Mishandling can lead to burns and accidents.
  • Healthy Picnic Choices: Choose nutritious picnic options like salads, grilled veggies, and lean proteins. Limit sugary drinks and snacks that can lead to energy crashes.
  • Mind Your Posture: Whether watching fireworks or dining at a picnic, maintain good posture to prevent back and neck strain. Sit upright and use cushions for support if needed.


Join us for Gentle Yoga at Advance NOW!


Email brianna@advanceaquaticpt.com for more info & to let us know you are interested!

Wednesdays at 3:30pm in the Broomall clinic (registration is required)

Thursdays at 7:15pm in Springfield clinic (registration is required)

Dance & Movement Class

Dance & Movement Class on Mondays at 7:15pm in Springfield clinic (registration is required)

Email brianna@advanceaquaticpt.com for more info & to let us know you are interested!

Exercise of the Month

PRONE ARM REACH BACK

The person lies face down (prone). The arm stays straight and moves backward in line with the torso (along the sagittal plane), toward the hip. This targets the posterior deltoid, latissimus dorsi, and lower trapezius, with some rhomboid activation. This movement is often used in rehabilitation and postural correction programs, especially for shoulder mobility and scapular stability.

We Want To Hear Your Success Story!

Has Advance Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy helped you live a better life? Let others know how much we can help them too! Click the button to leave us a Google review—your feedback helps others find the care they need!

The Overhead Throwing Athlete Preventative Screen (OTAP) is a comprehensive, research-based evaluation that helps screen out any male or female overhead athlete for a movement limitation that may cause excessive joint stress throughout the season. It is advised, based on the results, that the athlete completes the OTAP twice/season.

$90/Assessment

Patient Success

“I have been to several Physical Therapy Clinics over the years that were good, but Advance Physical and Aquatic Therapy is great. The PT’s are professional, very skilled and friendly. They work so well together, they can fill in for each other without missing a beat when needed. It is a warm and friendly environment where all of the patients are treated with respect, compassion and receive a lot of one on one care. The environment is clean and bright and getting an appointment at my preferred time was never a problem.
The Wellness program served me well so that I could continue to strengthen my shoulder after I was discharged from PT. It was affordable and I was able to have a structured time and place with all of the equipment at my disposal to do my Home Exercise Program. It helped me immensely to have the opportunity to keep exercising until I felt strong enough to resume all of my work responsibilities.
I would highly recommend this PT clinic to others looking to improve their function and reduce their pain.”
-Janelle C.

5 Pool Exercises For a Full-Body Workout

Exercising in water can provide a great full-body workout without some of the drawbacks of land-based exercises. 

1. Walk in water. It targets your arms, core, and lower body. Keep your arms in the water and move them as you walk. Engage your core and stand tall.

2. Water arm lifts. Using foam dumbbells will help add more resistance. Stand in water up to your shoulders. Hold the dumbbells at your side, with your palms facing up. Draw your elbows in close to your torso as you lift your forearms to the height of the water. Rotate your wrists to turn your palms facedown. Lower your arms back to the starting position. Do 1-3 sets of 10-15 reps.

3. Lateral arm lifts. This exercise, which targets your upper body, is also best done with foam dumbbells. Stand in water up to your shoulders. Hold the dumbbells at your side. Raise your arms to the side until they’re level with the water and your shoulders. Lower your arms back down to your sides. Do 1-3 sets of 8-14 repetitions.

4. Back wall glide. This exercise helps to activate the muscles in your core and lower body. Hold onto the pool ledge, tuck your knees into your chest, and press your feet into the wall. Push off from the wall and float on your back as far as you can. Draw your knees into your chest, press your feet down to the bottom of the pool, and run back to the wall. Continue this exercise for 5-10 minutes.

5. Leg kicks. This exercise works the muscles in your core and legs. Use ankle weights to make it more challenging. Hold onto the pool ledge or hold a kickboard. Alternate flutter kicking, scissor kicking, breaststroke kicking, and dolphin kicking. Do each kick for 1-3 minutes.

Water workouts are an effective way to boost your cardio fitness while strengthening your major muscle groups, but as with any new exercise program, always speak to your physical therapist first. Contact Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy to see if aquatic exercise is right for you!

Service Spotlight: Wellness Program

It is important that, after a full course of physical therapy is completed, patients continue their exercise program into the future in order to maintain the gains they have achieved. That is why Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy offers a wellness program after patients have been seen through their insurance carrier and discharged from skilled, supervised physical therapy. Advance’s wellness program allows patients to continue to use our exercise facilities and heated pool for their continued adherence to their customized exercise program.

Gym Membership: $90

Includes:

  • 8 Visit Commitment
  • Independent use of exercise facilities
  • Customized Wellness Exercise Program

Refer a Friend


Our purpose at Advance Physical & Aquatic Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.

Meet Our Team

Ryan-Mullin-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Ryan J. Mullin

PTA Owner/Physical Therapist

Joshua-Green-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Joshua T. Green

PT, MPT Owner/Physical Therapist

Kathleen-Euldji-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Kathleen Euldji

PT, DPT Physical Therapist

Jen-Rosenzweig-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Jen Rosenzweig

PTA Physical Therapist

Christopher-Johnson-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Christopher Johnson

PT, DPT Physical Therapist

Cole-Racich-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Cole Racich

PT, DPT, OCS Physical Therapist, per diem

Maureen-Donohoe-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Maureen Donohoe

PT, DPT, PCS Physical Therapist, per diem

Helena-Esmonde-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Helena Esmonde

PT, DPT Physical/Vestibular Therapist

Brianna-Whitton-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Brianna Whitton

Patient Care Coordinator & Marketing Specialist

Jackleyn-Hughes-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Jackleyn Hughes

Physical Therapy Aide

Madison-Vinrovski-Advance-Physical-
Read More

Madison Vinrovski

Physical Therapy Aide