Does Physical Therapy Work for Rotator Cuff Tears?
Medically reviewed by Linda Girgis | MD, Girgis Family Medicine on August 22nd, 2026.
Physical therapy effectively treats many rotator cuff tears, particularly partial tears and small full-thickness tears. Conservative treatment with PT succeeds in 70-90% of patients with partial tears, helping restore strength, mobility, and function. The approach focuses on strengthening surrounding muscles, improving shoulder mechanics, and reducing inflammation through targeted exercises. A typical program lasts 6-12 weeks and includes progressive strengthening, range-of-motion work, and functional training. Large full-thickness tears may require surgical repair, but even post-surgery patients benefit significantly from structured physical therapy protocols to optimize healing and prevent re-injury.
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