Rotator Cuff Injury and Tear Treatment – Southampton
Can physiotherapy heal a rotator cuff tear without surgery?
For many people, the answer is yes. Most rotator cuff injuries respond well to physiotherapy, with improvements in pain, movement and strength over weeks to months. Surgery is rarely the first step and often not needed at all.
By combining education, targeted exercises and hands‑on care where helpful, physiotherapy can help the shoulder recover and prevent problems coming back.
At Southampton Physio, we see patients every week who fear they may need an operation. Our role is to reassure, guide and build a plan that fits your life. In most cases, the shoulder is not as fragile as it feels and the right programme can restore both confidence and function.
Symptoms and causes of rotator cuff injuries
- Pain when lifting your arm overhead or out to the side
- Weakness or heaviness in the shoulder
- Night pain, especially when lying on the affected side
- Clicking, catching or reduced range of motion
Common causes include:
- Overuse: Repetitive overhead movements in work, sport or daily life
- Sports injuries: Particularly in tennis, swimming, weight training and climbing
- Trauma: A fall onto the arm or lifting something heavy awkwardly
- Age‑related changes: Natural wear and tear in the tendon tissue
When to seek urgent help:
- Sudden severe weakness after an injury (possible full‑thickness tear)
- Shoulder pain with fever, unexplained weight loss or history of cancer
- Obvious deformity after a fall or dislocation
How physiotherapy helps rotator cuff tears
- Education
- Targeted exercise
- Graded loading
- Hands‑on treatment
- Adjuncts where appropriate (e.g. corticosteroid injections)
What to expect at Southampton Physio
From your first appointment, our team focuses on clarity and reassurance.
Your first assessment includes:
- A thorough history and examination
- Strength and mobility testing
- Discussion of your goals and activity needs
Our approach:
- Reset – Reduce pain and improve movement
- Rebuild – Strengthen based on your sport, work or hobbies
- Support – Ongoing guidance to keep improving
Recovery times and long‑term outcomes
Typical timelines:
- Early gains: 6–12 weeks
- Steady progress: 6–12 months
- Return to activity: Often achievable without restrictions
Long‑term outcomes:
- Many small or medium tears improve with physiotherapy
- Degenerative tears may persist but don’t always cause worse symptoms
- Surgery only if symptoms remain after quality rehab
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a rotator cuff tear heal itself?
Can you exercise with a rotator cuff injury?
What’s the best sleeping position?
Do injections work?
What if a tear is left untreated?
Booking
Book your shoulder assessment
If shoulder pain is holding you back, don’t wait. At Southampton Physio, we combine expert physiotherapy with clinical strength coaching.
We’ve helped hundreds of people move past pain, avoid unnecessary surgery and get back to the activities they love.
👉 Book your assessment today at our Bedford Place clinic.