The rotator cuff consists of four muscles that stabilize your shoulder joint and aid in lifting and rotating your arm.
A rotator cuff tear happens when the tendons—tough, connecting tissues from muscle to bone—around your upper shoulder bone come loose. This injury can cause pain and make it hard to move your arm, troubling routine tasks like brushing hair, grabbing things from a shelf, or lifting a bag.
Common Causes of Rotator Cuff Tears
Frequent overhead movements and certain jobs, like painting, increase the risk of rotator cuff injuries. These tears can develop from ongoing strain or sudden actions. For instance, if you switch to tennis after winter without adequate preparation, you might tear your rotator cuff. Overlifting, excessive arm use during activities like moving, or injuries from a fall or shoulder dislocation are also typical reasons for these tears.
Symptoms of a Rotator Cuff Tear
Experience a constant, dull shoulder pain that intensifies when you lay down.
Feel discomfort from the shoulder to the upper arm.
Notice a pop or crack when moving your arm.
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Experience shoulder pain during overhead lifts or throws, or even at rest.
Noticeable arm weakness.
Sensation of your shoulder being stuck.
Best Treatment for Rotator Cuff Tears
At Stride Physical Therapy, your shoulder specialist will inquire about your pain's history—its onset, whether it was injury-induced or slow-developing, and what eases or intensifies it.
Your visit will start with a physical exam where your Freehold, NJ shoulder specialist will check for pain points by pressing on your shoulder and moving your arm in different positions. They'll also measure how far and easily you can move your arm on your own. An X-ray might be done to see if there are other causes of pain like arthritis or bone issues, although it won't show torn rotator cuff tendons. An ultrasound, which uses sound waves, may be used for a quick and detailed view of your shoulder, helping to direct treatment injections if needed. Finally, to get the clearest picture of your rotator cuff tendons and to check for tears, your doctor will probably request an MRI.
If you have a rotator cuff tear, your Freehol, NJ specialist will likely suggest trying non-surgical options first. This includes resting the shoulder and doing physical therapy to build up nearby muscles. They'll usually not recommend a sling, to prevent a condition called frozen shoulder. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs or getting corticosteroid shots can also ease inflammation and lessen shoulder pain, making movement easier.
Surgical Solutions
If your shoulder pain persists despite non-surgical treatments, consider surgery. This minor procedure uses an arthroscope to examine the rotator cuff for tears. While deeper and complete tears are repaired surgically, shallower ones might just be cleaned. To mend the tear, sutures and anchors reattach the tendon to the upper arm bone, encouraging healing. Post-surgery, you'll wear a sling for 4 to 6 weeks to immobilize the shoulder and protect the repair. Physical therapy follows to restore mobility and strength to the shoulder.
MEET YOUR RECOVERY TEAM
Kanwal Bhardwaj
PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT
Meet Kanwal Bhardwaj, PT, M.Sc.PT, CIMT, CMNT, the driving force behind Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the field, Kanwal brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for holistic healing to his practice. Kanwal's journey began with a Master of Science in Orthopedic Physical Therapy from Quinnipiac University in 2004. Over the years, he honed his skills and gained invaluable insights during 18 years of service in outpatient physical therapy offices. In 2014, fueled by a desire to deepen his understanding of patient care, he pursued a manual therapy certification (CIMT). This transformative experience allowed him to adopt a whole-body perspective, focusing on treating the root cause rather than just the symptoms...
At Stride Physical Therapy, we're dedicated to transforming lives. With a focus on the root cause of your condition, we're here to help you regain mobility and embrace an active lifestyle. What sets us apart? Our genuine passion for what we do. Let's stride towards a brighter tomorrow together.
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Expert Orthopedic and Sports Injury Care in Freehold, NJ
At Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ, we specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing orthopedic and sports-related injuries using the latest, evidence-based techniques. Whether you're an athlete recovering from an injury or struggling with chronic joint pain, our expert team is here to help. With state-of-the-art rehabilitation tools and a personalized approach, we focus on restoring movement, reducing pain, and helping you get back to the activities you love—stronger than ever.
Why Choose Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold?
At Stride Physical Therapy, we bring advanced rehabilitation techniques—once reserved for elite athletes—right to our local community in Freehold, NJ. Our one-on-one treatment sessions ensure you receive a customized recovery plan tailored to your specific needs. We are dedicated to fast recovery, effective pain relief, and long-term wellness, so you can move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
Conditions We Treat
We provide expert care for a variety of orthopedic and sports-related conditions, including:
✅ Tendon & Ligament Injuries – Sprains, strains, tendonitis, ligament tears
✅ Muscle Disorders – Muscle strains, ruptures, spasms, and inflammation
✅ Pain Management – Chronic headaches, myofascial pain, neck and back pain
✅ Joint Disorders – Osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, ligament injuries, and dislocations
Specialized Rehabilitation Services
Our team at Stride Physical Therapy offers specialized rehabilitation programs tailored to your recovery goals:
✔ Post-Surgical Rehab – Guided recovery plans after orthopedic surgeries
✔ Chronic & Acute Injury Rehab – Treatment for both sudden and long-term conditions
✔ Joint Replacement Therapy – Recovery programs for knee, hip, and shoulder replacements
✔ Spine Rehabilitation – Strengthening programs for back pain and spinal injuries
✔ Sports Injury Rehab – Cutting-edge treatments to help athletes regain peak performance
Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life!
If you're dealing with joint pain, muscle discomfort, or a recent injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. Stride Physical Therapy in Freehold, NJ is committed to helping our community stay active, mobile, and pain-free.
📞 Call us today to schedule an appointment, or visit our website to learn more about our expert rehabilitation services. Let’s get you back to doing what you love—without limitations!
