Physiotherapy for Rotator Cuff Pain in NYC
Manhattan Physical Therapy
What Is a Rotator Cuff?
The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the human body, allowing a wide range of motion for daily activities and sports. This incredible mobility is made possible by a group of four muscles and their tendons, collectively known as the rotator cuff. These muscles cover the top portion of the humerus (upper arm bone) and hold it securely within the shallow socket of the shoulder blade.
The rotator cuff plays a vital role in stabilizing the shoulder while allowing you to lift, rotate, and extend your arm. Whether you’re reaching overhead, throwing a ball, or lifting groceries, these muscles are constantly at work. Because of this constant demand, the rotator cuff is particularly vulnerable to strain and injury. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, we often see patients whose shoulder pain stems from overuse, poor posture, or a sudden trauma affecting this important structure.
What Is a Rotator Cuff Injury?
A rotator cuff injury occurs when one or more of the tendons become irritated, inflamed, or torn. This can happen to anyone—athletes, workers who perform repetitive overhead tasks, or even individuals who experience a fall or sudden movement. Each year, more than two million people seek medical attention for a rotator cuff issue, making it one of the most common causes of shoulder pain.
Injuries may range from mild inflammation (tendinitis) to partial or complete tears of the tendon. A partial tear may develop gradually from repetitive movements, while a complete tear often follows trauma such as a fall or an accident. Regardless of the cause, timely evaluation and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term weakness or loss of motion. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, our specialists design personalized treatment programs to relieve pain, restore strength, and help patients return to their regular activities safely.
What Types of Shoulder Injuries Involve the Rotator Cuff?
Rotator cuff injuries can be classified as acute (resulting from a sudden event) or chronic (developing over time). Some of the most common shoulder conditions involving the rotator cuff include:
Wear and tear: Gradual degeneration caused by daily use, often seen in older adults.
Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons due to repetitive overhead motions, commonly affecting athletes like swimmers, tennis players, or weightlifters.
Tendon tear: A partial or complete rupture of the tendon, which may result from repetitive strain or trauma such as a fall or sports injury.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (small fluid-filled sacs) that cushion the shoulder joint, often due to overuse.
Shoulder impingement: When the tendons of the rotator cuff become pinched between the shoulder bones, leading to pain and restricted movement.
What Causes a Rotator Cuff Tear?
Rotator cuff tears typically occur due to two main reasons: degeneration and injury. Degenerative tears develop slowly over time as the tendons weaken with age or repetitive use. This type of injury is common among individuals who perform regular overhead motions, such as painters, athletes, or manual laborers.
Traumatic tears, on the other hand, happen suddenly due to an accident, fall, or direct impact. Even people who are not involved in sports or physically demanding jobs can experience a tear as part of the natural aging process.
Regardless of the cause, a rotator cuff tear can significantly affect your ability to perform daily activities. Our experienced team at Manhattan Physical Therapy provides comprehensive, non-surgical treatment options to promote healing, strengthen the shoulder, and restore function—helping you move freely again without pain.
What Are the Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Injury?
Pain is the most common sign of a rotator cuff injury, but it often starts subtly and worsens over time. Many patients describe a dull ache deep in the shoulder that becomes more noticeable at night, especially when lying on the affected side. As the injury progresses, pain may interfere with simple daily activities such as combing hair, reaching overhead, or putting on a jacket.
At Manhattan Physical Therapy, we often see patients who experience:
Pain at night or while resting on the affected shoulder
Discomfort during specific arm movements, such as lifting or lowering
A cracking, clicking, or popping sound when moving the shoulder
Weakness in the arm or difficulty lifting objects
Reduced range of motion or stiffness in the joint
Stretching and Exercises for a Damaged Rotator Cuff
Strengthening and stretching the shoulder muscles are essential parts of preventing future rotator cuff injuries and supporting recovery. At Manhattan Physical Therapy in New York City, our physical therapy programs for shoulder pain are designed to help restore strength, flexibility, and stability in the shoulder joint. Gentle, consistent exercise helps protect the rotator cuff from reinjury and improves overall shoulder mobility.
Here are a few simple but effective exercises often recommended for rotator cuff rehabilitation:
Shoulder Circles
Stand with your arms extended outward at your sides. Slowly rotate your arms in large circular motions, first moving forward and then in the opposite direction. This exercise helps improve mobility and warm up the shoulder muscles.
Shoulder Swings
Keep your arms relaxed at your sides and gently swing them forward and backward within a comfortable range. This movement encourages blood flow to the shoulder joint and helps reduce stiffness.
Resistance Band Extensions
Using a resistance band, loop it securely around a sturdy object at waist level, such as a doorknob. Hold the band with your affected arm and stand so that it’s positioned in front of you. Gently pull the band inward toward your body, then return to the starting position. Perform this exercise regularly to strengthen the rotator cuff and surrounding muscles.
When Should You See a Physical Therapist?
If you experience persistent shoulder pain, weakness, or loss of motion, it’s best to seek professional help before the problem worsens. Early intervention can prevent small tears or inflammation from turning into chronic pain or severe tendon damage.
At Manhattan Physical Therapy, our experienced team specializes in treating shoulder injuries of all types, including rotator cuff tears, tendinitis, and impingement. We provide individualized care in a supportive environment, guiding you through every stage of your recovery.
Schedule an appointment today by calling (212)-213-3480 and take the first step toward restoring strength, comfort, and mobility with expert rotator cuff treatment in NYC.
What Do They Say About Us?
Alexander Liu
"Everyone on the team at Manhattan Physical Therapy is super nice and caring. They were able to pretty quickly diagnose my knee and hip problems and immediately put me to work to reduce the pain.."
Henry Myerberg
"You're not just a patient when you come to the Manhattan Physical Therapy. You feel like family there. In particular, Erica with her colleagues John, Lidia and Joe not only fix and improve you physically, they make you feel welcomed and cared for.."
Hakyung Kim
"Everyone is so kind and helpful! my knee and hip pain have improved massively since starting Manhattan PT, highly recommend to anyone. special thanks to Bianca, Lidia, Joe, and John!"
Manhattan Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments):
(212) 213-3480
Address: 385 5th Ave, Suite 503, New York, NY 10016
