Cuff rupture in the shoulder

A cuff rupture refers to a tear in the rotator cuff: a group of four tendons and muscles that together are responsible for the stability and mobility of your shoulder. When one or more of these tendons tears, we refer to it as a cuff rupture. This tear can occur due to overuse, wear and tear or an acute injury, such as after a fall. The most common cuff rupture symptoms are:

• Pain in the upper arm and shoulder, especially when lifting or reaching;
• Loss of strength, especially when lifting the arm sideways;
• Night pain, especially when lying on the affected shoulder;
• Restricted movement;
• Creaking or grinding sensation with movement.

These cuff rupture symptoms can occur gradually or suddenly after an injury. In some cases, the pain is relatively mild, but you mainly notice a decrease in your strength and mobility.

At Fysio Fitaal, we always start with a comprehensive intake and physical examination. We assess the strength, mobility and stability of the shoulder and investigate where exactly the pain is coming from. If necessary, we use ultrasound or refer you for an MRI scan to visualise the severity of the shoulder cuff rupture.

Sometimes a surgical procedure is chosen. In that case, we call it cuff rupture surgery, in which the torn tendon is reattached to the bone. But in many cases, good physiotherapy treatment can be enough to restore the function of the shoulder, especially if it is a partial tear or if you do not want to undergo surgery.

Whether you choose a conservative approach or restorative exercise therapy after cuff rupture surgery, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in your recovery. At Fysio Fitaal, we will help you in a structured and targeted way to reduce pain, regain mobility and rebuild strength in your shoulder. Our approach includes:

• Pain relief through manual techniques and mobilisations;
• Exercise therapy aimed at restoring rotator cuff strength and coordination;
• Dry needling to reduce muscle tension around the shoulder area;
• Functional training for daily use or sports recovery;
• Advice on posture, load and repetition of movements.

The treatment plan is always tailored to your situation: is it a complete cuff rupture, have you just had surgery, or is it an incipient irritation or tear?

If you have undergone cuff rupture surgery, your rehabilitation usually starts with rest and immobilisation in a sling. We then build up the load step by step, always in consultation with your orthopaedic surgeon. The first phase revolves around restoring mobility, followed by strength building and finally functional training. Recovery time can vary from several months to six months, depending on the severity of the cuff rupture and your overall condition.

At Physio Fitaal, we have a lot of experience in post-operative rehabilitation. We know exactly which exercises are safe at which time, so that you recover effectively and responsibly.

Many people confuse a cuff rupture with other overuse injuries such as golfer's elbow. Although both conditions are often caused by repetitive motion and overuse, the symptoms differ greatly. A golfer's elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow, while a cuff rupture mainly manifests as shoulder pain. At Fysio Fitaal, we always look for the correct diagnosis, because only then can you start the best treatment for a golfer's elbow or shoulder problem.

It is common for clients to come to us with vague complaints and think it is golfer's elbow, when in the end it turns out to be an incipient cuff rupture. Therefore, proper diagnosis is essential.