Rotator Cuff Treatment | Physio & Sports Therapy

Strength-based rotator cuff rehab

Rotator cuff problems are among the most common shoulder issues we see, in gym-goers, office workers and people in physical jobs alike. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that help stabilise the shoulder. When it's irritated, simple tasks like reaching overhead or sleeping on your side can become painful.

Our physiotherapists and sports therapists use hands-on treatment to ease pain and restore movement, combined with progressive shoulder strengthening to rebuild rotator cuff function.

Thorough shoulder assessment, with GP referral for imaging if needed

Soft tissue therapy and joint mobilisation

Progressive shoulder strengthening

Physiotherapists and sports therapists in one team

Return-to-sport and return-to-work planning

No GP referral needed to book

Book Your Assessment

What type of rotator cuff injury do you have?

A proper assessment helps us choose the right approach for your shoulder.

Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy

Irritation and changes in the rotator cuff tendons from repeated overhead loading or age-related changes. It causes aching pain and weakness with overhead activity.

Partial Rotator Cuff Tear

A partial tear of one or more rotator cuff tendons. It causes pain when lifting the arm and some weakness, and may need imaging to confirm.

Full Thickness Tear

A complete tear of a rotator cuff tendon, causing weakness and pain. Some need a surgical opinion, while others are managed with rehab. We'll refer you to your GP if needed.

Subacromial Pain

Pain at the top of the shoulder when lifting the arm, often with a painful arc of movement. Commonly linked to rotator cuff tendinopathy.

Subacromial Bursitis

Irritation of the bursa between the rotator cuff and the top of the shoulder, causing sharp pain when lifting the arm.

Calcific Tendinopathy

Calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendon, which can cause sudden, severe pain and restricted movement. This often needs medical input alongside rehab.

When to see a doctor first

Please contact your GP, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency, rather than booking with us, if you have:

Sudden loss of the ability to lift your arm after an injury or fall: see your GP promptly

A fall where the shoulder looks deformed or you can't move your arm: go to A&E

Shoulder or arm pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating: call 999

A hot, red, swollen shoulder with a fever: seek urgent medical help

Rotator cuff help near you

Shoulder rehab needs proper strength work. We see rotator cuff problems at our clinics in Cambridge, Saffron Walden, Sawston and Willingham, and in Bishop's Stortford, where you can progress into coached strength classes.

32 Raynham Road, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5PE

Rotator cuff questions answered

Can physiotherapy or sports therapy help with a rotator cuff injury?

Yes. Many rotator cuff problems, including tendinopathy, partial tears and subacromial pain, are managed with hands-on treatment and a progressive strengthening programme. If we think you need imaging or a specialist opinion, we'll tell you and refer you to your GP.

How long does a rotator cuff injury take to settle?

It depends on the type of injury, how long you've had it and what you need your shoulder to do. After your assessment we'll explain what to expect and review your progress as we go.

Do I need surgery for a rotator cuff tear?

Many people with rotator cuff tears manage well without surgery. If we think you need imaging or a specialist opinion, we'll tell you and refer you to your GP.

What's the difference between rotator cuff tendinopathy and a tear?

With tendinopathy, the tendon is intact but irritated and sensitive. A tear is a partial or complete break in the tendon. Both can cause shoulder pain and weakness, and tears may need imaging to confirm.

"Highly recommend for running-related issues. Jess put together a clear plan to get me ready for my marathon, and her communication was excellent throughout. Thank you!"

"Referred after an increasingly painful knee was impacting on my exercise. Hannah was very thorough in her investigation and analysis of the problem. I noticed a steady but sustained improvement following the recommended exercises over the first week. The exercises were subsequently changed up and the improvement sustained over the next two weeks. What definitely helped was the link between the Injury Active Clinic and the Barn. Hannah provided a briefing for the coaches, ensuring the gym sessions reinforced the recommended physio programme."

"Jess was so lovely and supportive throughout my time with her. She really helped build my confidence and get me back to doing the sports I love! I'm so grateful for all her help and would highly recommend :)"

Book a Pain & Movement Assessment

Rather than resting and hoping it settles, get it looked at. Your assessment gives you a clear explanation of what we think is going on, a plan, and a way to measure your progress.

Book an Assessment

Assessment

A thorough look at your history, how you move and what aggravates it, so we understand what's driving your symptoms.

Your Plan

A clear plan with realistic goals and the right mix of hands-on care and exercise for you.

Build Back Up

Progressive strength and movement work so you can get back to full activity with confidence.

Rotator Cuff
Treatment

Strength-based rotator cuff rehab