HomeAbout
Services
General PhysiotherapySports PhysiotherapyExercise RehabilitationDry NeedlingRemedial Massage
Strength AssessmentsMedicare / EPCWorkCover PhysiotherapyICWA (Motor Vehicle)NDIS PhysiotherapyDVA PhysiotherapyLongevity Programs
ConditionsFeesContact
Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062
Rotator Cuff Tears
★★★★★4.9 · 430 Google Reviews

Rotator Cuff Tears — Expert Rehab in Perth

From partial tears managed conservatively to full-thickness tears requiring post-surgical recovery — structured, progressive rehabilitation that gets you back to full strength.

Book an Appointment08 6113 8062

Rotator Cuff Tears

Rotator Cuff Tears — Expert Rehab in Perth

The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and their tendons that surround the shoulder joint — supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor, and subscapularis. Together they stabilise the ball in the socket and control virtually every movement of the shoulder. When one or more of these tendons is torn, the result can be significant pain, weakness, and loss of function.

Not all rotator cuff tears require surgery. Many partial-thickness tears — and even some full-thickness tears in less active individuals — can be successfully managed with structured physiotherapy. For those who do require surgical repair, the quality of pre- and post-operative rehabilitation is the single most important determinant of outcome.

🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator Cuff Tears
🛡️
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Symptoms

Common signs

Pain at the outer shoulder or upper arm
Weakness with lifting the arm or rotating the shoulder
Pain reaching behind the back
Pain lying on the affected shoulder at night
A catching or clicking sensation with movement
Loss of range of motion
Difficulty reaching overhead
Sudden onset pain after a fall or lifting incident

Causes

Contributing factors

Acute trauma (fall onto outstretched arm, sudden heavy lift)
Repetitive overhead loading (swimming, throwing, racquet sports)
Degenerative changes with age
Impingement over time
Occupational overhead work
Sudden eccentric loading

Our Approach

The Move Process

01
Accurate Diagnosis
Clinical testing to identify which tendons are involved and the degree of tear — with referral for imaging (ultrasound or MRI) when indicated.
02
Conservative or Surgical Pathway
For suitable candidates, structured physiotherapy alone can achieve excellent outcomes. For those requiring surgery, we coordinate with your orthopaedic surgeon on pre-operative preparation.
03
Progressive Strengthening
Rotator cuff and scapular strengthening using our in-clinic gym facilities — progressed systematically based on your tissue tolerance and functional goals.
04
Return to Full Function
Criteria-based progression back to work, sport, and full overhead activity — with objective strength testing to confirm readiness.

Why Move Physiotherapy

What sets us apart

✦
Conservative Management Expertise
Many partial tears and some full-thickness tears in appropriate patients can be managed without surgery. We apply the evidence on when conservative management is most likely to succeed.
✦
Pre-Operative Rehabilitation
Maximising rotator cuff strength and range of motion before surgery consistently improves post-operative outcomes. We build pre-operative programs into every surgical pathway.
✦
Post-Surgical Recovery
Rotator cuff repairs require a structured, phased rehabilitation process. We manage each stage — from early protection through progressive loading to return to full activity.
✦
Objective Strength Testing
VALD dynamometry allows us to measure rotator cuff strength and limb symmetry objectively — tracking your recovery with data, not estimates.
✦
Surgeon Coordination
We work closely with your orthopaedic surgeon to ensure rehabilitation timelines and progression align with the surgical repair protocol.
✦
Satisfaction Guarantee
Have we met your expectations? If not, we will refund your out-of-pocket expense — no questions asked.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need surgery for a rotator cuff tear?+
Not necessarily. The decision depends on the type and size of the tear, your age, activity level, and functional goals. Partial-thickness tears are frequently managed successfully with physiotherapy alone. Full-thickness tears in younger, active patients often benefit from surgical repair, particularly for large or complete tears. However, full-thickness tears in older or less active patients can achieve good functional outcomes with structured conservative rehabilitation. A physiotherapy assessment, combined with ultrasound or MRI findings, will help clarify which pathway is appropriate for you.
How long does rotator cuff rehabilitation take?+
Conservative management for partial tears typically requires 3-6 months of structured physiotherapy, with many patients achieving significant improvement within 6-8 weeks. Post-surgical rehabilitation is considerably longer: the repair is initially protected for 6 weeks, active strengthening begins progressively from weeks 6-12, and return to overhead activity and sport typically occurs between 4-6 months. Return to heavy manual work or high-demand sport may take up to 9-12 months depending on the extent of the repair.
Can I make a rotator cuff tear worse with physiotherapy?+
When appropriately managed, physiotherapy will not worsen a rotator cuff tear. The key is load management — exercises are selected and progressed based on your current tissue tolerance. In the early stages, the goal is to reduce pain and restore movement without overloading the healing tissue. Strength work is introduced progressively as the tissue tolerates it. Your physiotherapist will monitor your response at each session and adjust loading accordingly.
What is the difference between a partial and full-thickness tear?+
A partial-thickness tear means the tendon fibres are damaged but the tendon has not torn completely through. Full-thickness tears involve a complete disruption of the tendon — creating a hole through which the tendon no longer transmits force from the muscle to the bone. Full-thickness tears tend to be more symptomatic (greater weakness, more significant functional limitation) and are more likely to require surgical consideration, particularly in active individuals. Partial tears frequently respond well to structured conservative management.

Ready to get moving?

Beeliar, Booragoon and East Fremantle -- early morning, evening and Saturday appointments available.

Book OnlineCall 08 6113 8062