How we're going to rehab your rotator cuff problem

I'm sharing this with you as we start our journey of solving your shoulder pain.* You've made the right choice by getting into physiotherapy with me rather than trying to self-treat with online exercises.

Here's what happened

Your rotator cuff has become unhealthy. For some of you that happened suddenly due to a specific injury, but for most of you, that's happened slowly over time, from a combination of the natural loss of strength as you age, and the ongoing wear and tear on your shoulder with everyday work, household chores, weekend hockey etc.

Here's what we know works

It's time to get your rotator cuff back in shape. All the research tells us that the best treatment for your type of rotator cuff problem is guided physiotherapy. The main focus of treatment will be on proper exercises. I'll assess which of the 175+ possible exercises you need, and I'll teach you exactly how to do them. I prescribe exercise like a doctor prescribes drugs: with a very specific dose and frequency. Follow the notes, because if you do more (or less) than I recommend, it's not going to respond as well.

There are no "BEST 6 EXERCISES" that work for everyone.

How often you'll need to see me

That's different for everyone, but most often, you'll see me once every 1-2 weeks for a month or 2, then you'll need to see me less often. I will be showing you exactly what you need to do at home, and then upgrading and changing your program as your shoulder is ready for it.

What if you don't do your exercises?

Look, what I'm going to ask you to do takes time and energy. If you just can't find enough of either to do these, that's ok. Just let me know. I'm a good judge of how much each person can tolerate, but if I give you too much to do, I'll adjust that. And some folks are too busy in life and can't do any exercise at all. If that's you, you need to let me know, and we'll work around that. I'm a realist, not an idealist. We'll find a way to make it work for you.

*This advice is specific to some of my patients. I will direct you to this page if this applies to you. This is not generic advice about all types of rotator cuff pain.