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Shoulder Rehabilitation · Canberra ACT

Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation Canberra.

Structured exercise physiology for rotator cuff tears & tendinopathy. Evidence-based, 1:1 with James Murphy AEP in Griffith Canberra.

  • Rotator Cuff Tears & Tendinopathy
  • Progressive loading
  • 1:1 with James every session
  • NDIS, DVA & Medicare accepted
Book an appointment → 0418 153 608
Condition overview

Rotator Cuff Tears & Tendinopathy.

Rotator cuff tendinopathy is treated with progressive tendon loading, specifically targeting the supraspinatus and infraspinatus through positions of progressive load. Full-thickness tears may be managed conservatively (for low-demand individuals) or post-surgically (following rotator cuff repair). Post-surgical rehab is aligned with your surgeon's protocol, typically progressing over 6–12 months.

What the evidence says.

For most rotator cuff related shoulder pain, including many full thickness tears, structured exercise rehabilitation performs comparably to surgery in randomised trials, at a fraction of the risk and cost. The cuff is a muscle group, and muscles respond to progressive loading. Imaging findings correlate poorly with pain: plenty of pain free shoulders have tears on scans, which is why I treat the person and their capacity, not the picture.

How I treat it.

Assessment sorts out what the cuff can currently do, what the scapula and thoracic spine are contributing, and which movements provoke you. Then progressive loading: isometrics if the shoulder is irritable, building to resisted rotation, pressing and carrying in ranges that expand as capacity grows. The overhead position is earned back deliberately, not avoided forever.

Hands on treatment for the surrounding guarded tissue happens in the same room, and if your case genuinely needs a surgical opinion, I will say so early and refer you well.

What we aim for.

  • Night pain gone, usually the first milestone
  • Strength objectively rebuilt and compared side to side
  • Overhead reach, carrying and sport back without flinching
  • Surgery avoided where the evidence says it can be
Frequently asked

Frequently asked

Yes. Shoulder conditions impacting function are covered by DVA with a D904 referral and by NDIS where relevant to your disability. Medicare CDM and Workers Comp also apply.
Depends on the specific condition and severity. Shoulder impingement typically responds in 8–12 weeks. Post-surgical rehabilitation can take 6–12 months. James provides a timeline estimate at your initial assessment.
No referral needed for private appointments. Medicare CDM requires a GP referral. DVA requires a D904.
Related

Related pages

Shoulder HubMSK HubDVA FundingFor GPs
Key evidence

Recent literature behind this program.

A selection of the research and clinical guidelines that inform how this condition is managed at Fitness & Wellbeing Physiology.

  1. Karjalainen TV, Jain NB, Page CM, et al. Subacromial decompression surgery for rotator cuff disease. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2019;1:CD005619.
  2. Beard DJ, Rees JL, Cook JA, et al. Arthroscopic subacromial decompression for subacromial shoulder pain (CSAW): a multicentre, pragmatic, parallel group, placebo-controlled, three-group, randomised surgical trial. The Lancet 2018;391:329–338.

Evidence summaries are provided for information only and are not a substitute for individual clinical assessment.

Online booking

Book your appointment.

Same-week availability for NDIS, DVA, CDM, CTP and private clients.

Prefer to call? 0418 153 608 · or email admin@fwphysiology.com