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Rotator Cuff Tears
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Rotator Cuff Tear Rehabilitation in Perth

From partial tears managed conservatively to full-thickness tears requiring post-surgical recovery — structured, progressive rehabilitation that gets you back to full strength.

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Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator Cuff Tear Rehabilitation in Perth

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis — whose tendons blend into the shoulder joint capsule and are critical to both shoulder stability and movement.

Rotator cuff tears are extremely common as an incidental MRI finding — present in approximately 25% of people over 60 who have no shoulder symptoms. The decision to treat surgically versus conservatively must be based on symptom burden and functional limitation, not imaging alone. <sup>[1]</sup>

Move Physiotherapy has extensive experience managing rotator cuff pathology at all stages, using VALD dynamometry to objectively quantify and track strength recovery.

🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator Cuff Tears
🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Causes

Types & Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears

Degenerative tear — gradual tendon deterioration with age, most common over 50
Acute traumatic tear — fall onto outstretched hand, forced abduction
Repetitive overhead loading in work or sport
Chronic subacromial impingement leading to progressive tendon damage

Our Approach

The Move Process

01
Tear Characterisation
Determine tear location, thickness, and functional impact through clinical assessment and review of imaging — guiding conservative vs surgical recommendation.
02
Pain & Function
Manual therapy, dry needling, and scapular rehabilitation to restore comfortable movement and function during the early management phase.
03
Progressive Loading
Systematic progressive loading of the rotator cuff tendons — tailored to tear characteristics and healing phase — to restore strength and shoulder stability.
04
Objective Strength Testing
VALD dynamometry at key milestones to confirm strength symmetry meets safe return-to-activity thresholds before full loading is resumed.

Why Move Physiotherapy

What sets us apart

✦
VALD Strength Measurement
Rotator cuff strength is quantified at baseline and at each stage of rehabilitation — confirming recovery is progressing before advancing loading.
✦
Surgical Collaboration
We work closely with shoulder surgeons for patients requiring repair, providing pre-operative optimisation and comprehensive post-operative rehabilitation.
✦
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?+
Partial-thickness tears frequently heal with conservative management through progressive tendon loading. Many full-thickness tears — particularly in older, less active individuals — are successfully managed conservatively. The decision depends on tear size, patient age, activity demands, and response to conservative management.
How long does rotator cuff rehabilitation take?+
Conservative management for partial tears typically takes 3-6 months for full return to activity. Post-surgical rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair is a longer process — typically 6-12 months for return to demanding activities, with objective strength testing guiding progression.
What are the signs of a rotator cuff tear?+
Common features include: pain at the front or side of the shoulder, weakness when lifting the arm or rotating externally, difficulty with overhead activity, pain at night, and (with large tears) inability to raise the arm against gravity. Many rotator cuff tears are asymptomatic.
How soon after surgery can I start physiotherapy?+
Physiotherapy typically begins within 1-2 weeks of rotator cuff repair surgery, initially focusing on passive range of motion within the restrictions set by the surgeon. Active loading commences progressively from approximately 6-12 weeks, depending on tear size and surgical technique.
Does a rotator cuff tear get worse over time?+
Small partial tears do not inevitably progress to full-thickness tears — many remain stable or improve with physiotherapy. Full-thickness tears, particularly with continuing mechanical stress, can enlarge over time. This is one reason early physiotherapy assessment and management is important.

Full Treatment Pathway

Related Services

Effective treatment for rotator cuff tears often involves more than one service. Explore the approaches we use as part of a complete care pathway.

General Physiotherapy

Expert assessment, hands-on treatment, and progressive rehabilitation for all musculoskeletal conditions.

Learn more →
Sports Physiotherapy

Sport-specific diagnosis, load management, and criteria-based return-to-sport rehabilitation.

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Exercise Rehabilitation

Progressive, gym-based rehabilitation programs that rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.

Learn more →

Ready to get moving?

Beeliar, Booragoon and East Fremantle -- early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available.

Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062