Condition guide
Rotator Cuff Tear Physiotherapy
Assessment and rehabilitation for rotator cuff tears, including pain management and progressive shoulder strengthening.
Rotator cuff tears can affect lifting, reaching, and overhead activity. Physiotherapy helps improve function and supports either conservative or post-operative pathways.
This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
Common Symptoms
Pain when lifting or lowering the arm
Weakness during overhead activity
Night pain, especially on the affected side
Reduced control during gym, work, or sport tasks
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
Sudden traumatic shoulder injury with severe weakness
Marked swelling or deformity
Rapid neurological symptoms in the arm
Persistent severe pain following injury
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
Clinical history and shoulder function testing
Strength assessment across cuff and scapular muscles
Screening of neck and referred pain contributors
Decision-making support for conservative care vs referral
Treatment
Pain-reduction and activity-modification advice
Progressive rotator cuff and scapular strengthening
Movement retraining for overhead and loaded tasks
Post-operative rehabilitation where applicable
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Use pain-guided load progression
Avoid repetitive high-irritability overhead loading early
Complete home strength sessions consistently
Reintroduce sport or gym in planned stages
Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits
- Your clinic & directions
- Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
- Self-pay
£60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay- Health insurance
Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance
Would a home visit suit you better?
If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?+
Most tears do not heal on their own. Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and improve shoulder function, but this does not mean the tendon has repaired. Care depends on the tear, strength and activity needs. A sudden injury with marked weakness needs prompt medical assessment; persistent pain or weakness may need specialist review.
Will I regain full shoulder strength?+
Many people improve significantly with structured rehabilitation. Outcomes depend on tear type, chronicity, and activity goals.
Do you manage post-op rotator cuff rehab?+
Yes. We provide staged post-operative rehabilitation aligned with surgical protocols.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.