Rotator Cuff Surgery: Have a Plan

Rotator Cuff Syndrome is a very common shoulder injury that can cause sufferers a lot of pain and discomfort.

What’s it all about?

Rotator Cuff Syndrome refers to a multitude of specific injuries associated with the small group of muscles that move and control the ball and socket joint of your shoulder. These muscles form what we know as the rotator cuff.

These muscles are essential in the active movement and rotation of the shoulder. The rotator cuff forms a head at the top of the humerus which is essentially the ball of the shoulder.

 

Who is at risk & why do they develop it?

Rotator cuff injuries are often seen in people who perform repetitive movements overhead either within their everyday job or their chosen sport. A few examples are those involved with physical trades such as carpenters, painters and those who play sports such as tennis or baseball just to name a few.

It is to be noted that this syndrome is usually either the result of a single, substantial injury or the result of progressive degeneration over time.  This also means the risk of developing a rotator cuff injury also increases with age.

It’s important that if you suspect a rotator cuff injury that you seek medical attention to determine exactly what type of rotator cuff injury you have. This must be determined first before accurate treatment can be arranged. Unfortunately, many rotator cuff injuries often require surgical intervention to restore a person’s shoulder to its previous status.

 

Customised rehabilitation is key to a successful recovery

This is where a customised, rehabilitation plan is vital in order to make a full recovery from rotator cuff surgery and to ensure a successful return to work or return to play. It can take many months to make a full recovery and return to previous sport & activity (dependant on the nature of the activity).

A customised rehabilitation plan post-surgery would aim to achieve the following:

– Restore normal neck and shoulder function
– Help to regain a full range of motion in the shoulder
– Restore the strength of your rotator cuff
– Work to restore speed and power to your rotator cuff
– Work towards a safe and successful return to work or sport

 

Talk to our experienced team if you have any questions

At Progressive Sports & Spinal Physiotherapy, our highly experienced team of physiotherapists have rehabilitated many patients successfully after undergoing rotator cuff surgery. We offer the support and guidance you need to achieve your goals post-surgery.

If you would like further information about our customised rehabilitation programs, please feel free to contact the clinic today by calling (02) 4721 7798 or by emailing info@progressiverehab.com.au

 

 

Elin, is an alumni of St. Edward’s University and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology, furthered her academic journey by attaining a Doctor of Physiotherapy from Macquarie University in 2022.

Her passion for sports, particularly football (soccer), is evident in both her academic pursuits and personal endeavors. Specialising in the comprehensive well-being of athletes, Elin focuses on restoring them to peak performance while actively preventing future injuries.

Elin’s professional expertise is centered on musculoskeletal rehabilitation, with a specific emphasis on addressing and preventing knee injuries. Her approach integrates expert treatment with a commitment to educating and empowering patients, fostering their active involvement in enhancing their health and overall quality of life.

As an active participant in NPL football with SD Raiders, Elin brings firsthand experience and a profound understanding of the sport’s demands. Beyond the field, she extends her influence by contributing sports coverage over the weekends.

Christopher (Chris) Han graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, and then completed the Doctor of Physiotherapy program at Macquarie University in 2018. Chris is currently undertaking his PhD at the University of Sydney and Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the field of low back pain and is due to complete this in early 2024. 

Chris is currently an assistant Physiotherapist for the NRL Referees. Chris has previous experience as the head Physiotherapist at Panthers Premier League Netball and a number of elite sporting athletes in the private setting.

Through Chris’ experiences, he has a particular interest in all areas of the body and musculoskeletal physiotherapy, sports, vestibular rehabilitation, and Men’s Health (pre and post prostate surgery).

Suzanne graduated from Western Sydney University with a Bachelor of Health Science (Sports and Exercise Science) in 2015. She then went on to continue her studies at Macquarie University graduating from the Doctor of Physiotherapy post-graduate degree in June 2019.

Since graduating, Suzanne has worked in the local Penrith area in both private practice and Sports Physiotherapy. Suzanne has worked with sporting teams including Penrith District Netball Association, Mt Druitt Rangers (NPL), Penrith Valley Figure Skating Club, and local dance and cheer schools. 

Suzanne has a particular interest in working with artistic athletes including cheerleaders and dancers. She has a professional background in both cheer and dance and has previously worked as both a cheer coach and dance teacher. Suzanne’s previous experiences are an invaluable resource to her as a physiotherapist, as she has a thorough understanding of the level of physical fitness and skill acquisition that these athletes must have in order to be successful on stage and in competition.

Suzanne’s other areas of clinical interest reside in lower limb musculoskeletal injuries, spinal pathologies and women’s health.

Nathanial graduated as a physiotherapist in 2012 which saw him work in private practice and hospital settings gaining experience in all areas of physiotherapy including hand therapy, splinting/casting, pre/post-operative care, Men’s Health and general musculoskeletal, occupational and sports physiotherapy. Since then he has gone on to complete further studies in physiotherapy enabling him to be the only dual titled Musculoskeletal, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist in Penrith.

Nathanial has a strong background in sports physiotherapy achieving accreditation with NSWIS as a service provider and working with many elite sports teams.

Nathanial has a particular interest in working with elite athletes, complex cases and in particular assessment and management of knee, hip and shoulder pain.

Andrea graduated from the Australian Catholic University completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science in 2018 and Master’s of Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2020. After graduating she attained accreditation with ESSA as an Exercise Physiologist.

During her studies she gained clinical experience in both hospital and private practice settings, in cardiac rehabilitation, neurological conditions, cancer and chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

Since working at Progressive, Andrea has a specialist interest in treating musculoskeletal injuries, helping people in the mid-late stage of rehab to get them to return to sport or work. As well as helping people manage chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis and diabetes.