Rotator Cuff Injury Physiotherapy in Vancouver

Reaching overhead, putting on a coat or sleeping on one side can become difficult when your shoulder hurts. If you suspect a rotator cuff injury, Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab can assess your shoulder and help you plan a return to the movements you need.

Book a physiotherapy assessment

Physiotherapist assessing a seated patient’s upper back and shoulder area

Understanding rotator cuff injury

The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help move and stabilise the shoulder. Symptoms can build over time or start after a fall or sudden lift. Rotator cuff tendon pain and a tear can produce similar symptoms. An assessment helps determine whether you can start rehab or need medical review first.

Common concerns

  • Pain or weakness when lifting your arm away from your body
  • Shoulder pain when reaching overhead, lowering the arm or lying on the affected side
  • Difficulty returning to swimming, lifting or overhead work

When to get medical help

Get prompt medical assessment if a fall or sudden lift leaves you unable to raise your arm or causes marked new weakness. Severe pain with visible deformity also needs urgent care.

Your assessment at Cadence

We ask how the symptoms started and how they affect sleep, work and sport. Your physiotherapist may compare active and assisted shoulder motion and look at strength and control in positions relevant to you. Bring any imaging reports or post-operative instructions you already have.

How physiotherapy can help

Your plan may include comfortable mobility work, progressive shoulder strengthening and adjustments to lifting or reaching. We can build toward overhead positions and the repetitions your sport or work requires. Following a repair, your surgeon’s restrictions guide when and how loading progresses.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need imaging before seeing a physiotherapist?

You can often start with an assessment. A recent injury with major weakness, loss of function or concern for a tear may warrant medical review and imaging.

Does a rotator cuff tear always require surgery?

Treatment depends on how the injury happened, the type of tear, your strength and your goals. Physiotherapy is part of many care plans, and some tears need an orthopaedic opinion.

Book your Vancouver physiotherapy appointment

Find Cadence Physiotherapy & Rehab at 706–550 W Broadway, near Broadway–City Hall station. Book online or call 604-738-4900.

Explore Shoulder Pain Physiotherapy or see the other conditions we treat.

Further reading: AAOS OrthoInfo on rotator cuff tears. Individual assessment guides diagnosis and treatment.