22 Jan Can You Exercise a Rotator Cuff Tear?

Let’s start with the basics: A partial or complete rotator cuff muscle tear can make it difficult just to raise or move your arm. Expect to feel a general weakness in your joint. Your range of motion may be less than ideal, too. But that doesn’t mean workouts are a definite no-go. Two key factors determine how much you’ll be able to do after injuring your rotator cuff — the severity of your injury and your ability to tolerate pain.

Some people can exercise with a tear and some people can’t. That’s the truth of it. There isn’t just one answer. The good news? Converting that bum shoulder into a healthier wing to keep your fitness routine on track is very doable. Roughly 8 out of 10 people with partial rotator cuff tears get better using options like:

• Rest (and maybe an arm sling) to give your overused shoulder much-needed downtime.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to limit pain and swelling.
• Steroid injections to ease pain and swelling.
• Physical therapy (PT) for rebuilding range of motion and strength.

Over a month or two, particularly with physical therapy, people can often get back to where they feel comfortable. It’s a slow and gradual process.