
ROTATOR CUFF REHAB PROGRAM - Relief for Shoulder Pain, Bursitis & Impingement
Are you struggling with shoulder pain that just won’t go away? You might be dealing with rotator cuff issues, bursitis, or shoulder impingement—common causes of shoulder pain that we treat every week at Hartwell Physio.
Our Rotator Cuff Rehab Program is designed to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to the activities you love—without that nagging shoulder discomfort.
What is the Rotator Cuff?
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles and tendons that stabilise your shoulder and help you lift and rotate your arm. Injuries or irritation to these muscles are a common source of pain, especially with overhead activities, lifting, or even sleeping on your side.
Common Shoulder Conditions We Treat
1. Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy
This is when the rotator cuff tendons become irritated or overloaded, often from repetitive use or poor biomechanics.
2. Subacromial Bursitis
A small fluid-filled sac (bursa) sits under your shoulder bone to reduce friction. When inflamed, it causes sharp or aching pain—especially with overhead movement.
3. Shoulder Impingement
This occurs when tendons or the bursa get “pinched” under the acromion (part of your shoulder blade). It often overlaps with bursitis and rotator cuff irritation.
How Our Shoulder Rehab Program Can Help
Our Rotaotr Cuff Rehab Program focuses on more than just pain relief. We take you through a structured pathway to recovery:
Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment
We identify the exact source of your shoulder pain using hands-on testing, movement analysis, and (if needed) referrals for imaging. We check for signs of bursitis, impingement, tendon overload or muscle imbalance.
Step 2: Hands-On Treatment
Manual therapy may be used in the early stages to reduce pain and restore mobility. This might include joint mobilisation, soft tissue techniques, dry needling or taping.
Step 3: Targeted Exercise Rehab
This is the core of your recovery. Our tailored program includes:
-
Early-stage pain-reducing exercises
-
Rotator cuff strengthening
-
Scapular (shoulder blade) control
-
Posture and movement retraining
-
Progressive resistance and return-to-sport planning
We use tools like the VALD Dynamo to track your strength objectively and ensure you’re getting stronger, not just feeling better.
Step 4: Supervised Small Group Rehab
As you progress, you’ll have the option to join our small group rehab sessions, where you’ll work through your personalised program under the close supervision of a physiotherapist. These sessions offer:
-
A supportive and motivating environment
-
Cost-effective access to expert care
-
Individualised attention with the benefit of group dynamics
-
Ongoing guidance to ensure proper form and safe progression
Step 5: Education and Prevention
You’ll learn how to modify activity, improve posture, and avoid the common habits that aggravate your shoulder. Whether your pain started at the gym, from work, or just appeared out of nowhere, we help you get to the root cause.
Is It Time To Get Your Shoulder Checked?
Shoulder pain doesn’t have to become your “new normal.” If you’re experiencing:
-
Pain with overhead movements
-
Difficulty lifting or reaching
-
Pain that disrupts your sleep
-
Clicking, catching, or weakness
…you may benefit from our rotator cuff rehab program.
Book Your Shoulder Assessment Today
Let’s get you moving again—stronger, pain-free, and confident. Call us or book online to get started.
@hartwell.physio MYTHBUSTERS! Episode 2 Lets talk Shoulders! Featuring our Physiotherpaist Cameron💪 #physio #shoulders #shoulderpain #shoulderinjury #cortisoneinjection #surgery #melbourne #exercise #fitness #physiotherapy #fyp
Related Blogs: