Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan

What is a Rotator Cuff Injury?

Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan

The rotator cuff refers to the muscle and tendon groups that make up the shoulder joint and give you a range of motion in your arms. There are two kinds of tears; partial and complete tears. When a partial tear occurs, one muscle in the rotator cuff is damaged. Alternatively, when there is a complete tear, it goes up through the tendon and separates the bone from the tendon. If you are in need of care for a damaged rotator cuff or are recovering from surgery, Empower Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan can help you.

How Do I Know If I Have a Torn Rotator Cuff? (Symptoms and Diagnosis)

There are a few ways to identify if you’ve torn a rotator cuff. First, answer these questions for yourself:

  • Am I having trouble lifting things I can normally lift?
  • Do I hear a sound when moving my arm?
  • Do I feel pain when moving my arm in certain directions?
  • Can I raise my arm over my head?
  • Do I feel weak in my shoulder?

If you exhibit some or most of these symptoms, you likely have a torn rotator cuff and should go to see a doctor. Waiting for your symptoms to get worse can leave you with conditions harder to get treatment for, such as arthritis. To confirm you have a torn rotator cuff, your doctor may use an MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound.

Why Has This Happened to Me? (Causes)

Rotator cuff injuries tend to occur in people over the age of 60, and working in certain jobs such as painting and construction. Family history can play a role if your relatives have often received such an injury. Certain sports, like tennis, weightlifting, baseball, and rowing can increase risk, given the way these activities relate to arm movement.

Also, conditions exacerbated by age, such as decreased blood flow, and bone spurs are risk factors. Shoulder injuries, and wear-and-tear in tendons are often more direct causes.

What Can I Do? (Treatment)

There are a handful of different ways to treat rotator cuff tears. You can receive steroid injections into your shoulder, acetaminophen, or anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain. There are exercises you may be given at home to do and also suggestions for healthier living. Rest is critical for recovery as well. However, one of the most helpful forms of treatment is a physical therapy that builds strength in your shoulder muscles. Go to Empower Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan for assistance. 

Contact Empower Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan

Empower PT and Fitness is the premier destination for your physical therapy needs. We have advanced technology, and the most helpful and personable staff to be there when you need us. Please contact Empower Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan today!


Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan


Post Surgery Physical Therapy in MichiganHave you heard of the Mckenzie Method? This method can reduce pain through exercises, but many people don’t know about this technique used in Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan. At Empower Physical Therapy, we can use this method to reduce the pain you may have and to provide you with a fast recovery. 

What is the McKenzie Method?

A technique used in Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan that teaches patients how to manage their pain; whether it is back pain or neck pain, through exercises and other strategies. The purpose of this method is to minimize pain as fast as possible, reduce the number of times you visit a specialist, and go back to normal activities. The method is quite effective, but if you had back surgery or a serious spinal condition, then you shouldn’t try this method. 

How does it work?

Step 1: Assessment

The first step in the McKenzie Method, a technique in Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan involves a consultation with your physical therapist. Where they would examine your condition and ask you about your health to determine if the method is right for you, it is basically like a consultation that you would have with your doctor. They will ask you to do certain movements to see if you have pain while doing those movements. 

Step 2: Classification

After the assessment, your physical therapists will analyze your results based on the assessment and will be able to classify the cause of your pain. The following are some syndromes and derangements that can cause you pain:

  • Derangement Syndrome
  • Reducible Derangement
  • Posture Syndrome
  • Dysfunction Syndrome

Step 3: Treatment 

The next step in the McKenzie Method is following the treatment your physical therapist has prescribed you. You will do specific exercises based on the classification step that would help relieve the pain. The following are some exercises, but it all depends on what you have:

  • Lying on your stomach
  • Lying on a pillow
  • Standing extensions
  • Prone press-ups

Step 4: Prevention

The fourth and final step in the Mckenzie Method is understanding and learning how to prevent pain from happening again in the future. You would do this by following the method and the specific exercises your therapist prescribed you. Doing the method will give you an understanding of what causes your pain and how you can treat its symptoms.

Contact Us: Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan

If you’re experiencing back and neck pain, the McKenzie Method, a technique in physical therapy near Waterfront can eliminate symptoms and restore full function. At Empower Physical Therapy, Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan, our staff is trained to efficiently rehabilitate any condition you may have. Contact us today to learn more.


 What is the Mckenzie Method? The Mckenzie Method, also known as MDT, is a technique physical therapists use to assess and manage extremity musculoskeletal and spine disorders. The method consists of four steps which are assessment, classification, treatment, and prevention. Therapists assess and classify your symptoms to provide you with a specific treatment to relieve and prevent your pain. At Empower PT, we offer this type of Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan to minimize any pain you may have and to provide you with a fast recovery.

How effective is it?

The Mckenzie Method is effective because it teaches you how to safely and effectively reduce your pain and reduce joint problems. The method has specific key exercises designed to relieve and prevent your pain and improve your ability to move. For instance, the following are some exercises that can help relieve different types of pain.

  • Prone Lying: This exercise requires you to lie flat on your stomach and it is used to treat lower back pain.
  • Low Back Slide: This exercise will relieve any pain you have in the leg, thighs, and lower back
  • The flexion rotation: This exercise also relieves lower back pain but it is mostly used if your pain is one-sided or if you have pain down your legs.
  • Standing Lumbar Extension: This type of exercise is performed to prevent future back pain and problems.
  • The Cervical Spine Retraction: This exercise relieves neck pain and also improves posture which is important as it minimizes your chances of having pain.

These are all different and specific exercises that can relieve and prevent different types of pain just with simple exercises. Some people have had lower back problems and were about to get surgery, but after trying the Mckenzie Method, they managed their pain. The Mckenzie Method, a type of Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan is unique and effective because it assesses your symptoms and provides you with specific treatment on safely responding to them.

Contact Us For Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan

The Mckenzie Method is a proven effective technique for assessing and managing musculoskeletal and spine disorders. If you think this method can benefit you, contact us today for Post Surgery Physical Therapy in Michigan.