Skip to main content

A physical therapist using manual therapy to mobilize an older adult's shoulder.

Why get surgery if you don’t need it? People with nontraumatic rotator cuff tears can do just as well with physical therapy. 

That's according to a 2014 study published in Bone and Joint Journal. Patients who had physical therapy alone showed similar improvement and satisfaction to those who received surgery and physical therapy. And that was true for either arthroscopic surgery and open surgical repair.

Related Resources

Additional Information

Access additional Did You Know? pages.

Is this content helpful?

Thanks for the feedback!

Thank you. Your feedback has been sent.

Kukkonen J, Joukainen A, Lehtinen J, et al. Treatment of non-traumatic rotator cuff tears: A randomised controlled trial with one-year clinical results. Bone Joint J. 2014;96-B(1):75-81. Article Summary in PubMed.


You Might Also Like...

Health Tips

4 Things To Expect After Shoulder Replacement Surgery

May 1, 2024

Shoulder replacement is a major surgery in which all or part of the shoulder joint is replaced. If you have shoulder replacement surgery you'll see a physical

Health Tips

How Medicare Determines Payment For Therapy in Nursing Homes or Home Health Care

Apr 18, 2024

If you receive physical or other therapy services through a nursing home or home health agency, you should know your rights. You also should know about

Health Tips

5 Things to Ease Your Hospital Stay

Apr 15, 2024

Hospital stays for sickness or injury can be overwhelming, emotionally and physically.