Rotator Cuff Physical Therapy in Clifton, NJ
Clifton Physical Therapy
A rotator cuff injury is irritation or a tear in the four small muscles and tendons that hold your shoulder in its socket. It often causes pain when lifting the arm or lying on that side. Many rotator cuff problems, including some tears, improve with physical therapy focused on strength and control.
What the rotator cuff does
The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles whose tendons wrap around the top of the upper arm bone. They keep the ball of the shoulder centered in the socket while bigger muscles move the arm. When they're irritated, weak or torn, lifting, reaching and sleeping on that side can all hurt.
Common rotator cuff problems
Tendinopathy: irritated, overloaded tendons, often from repeated overhead work or sport
Partial tears: the tendon is frayed but not torn through
Full-thickness tears: a tear all the way through the tendon, from a fall or from gradual wear
Rotator cuff changes become more common with age, and they don't always cause pain.
Signs of a rotator cuff injury
An ache in the outer shoulder or upper arm
Pain lifting the arm out to the side or overhead
Pain at night, especially lying on that shoulder
Weakness reaching or lifting
If you suddenly can't lift your arm after a fall or a heavy pull, see a doctor promptly. Our blog post on testing for a rotator cuff injury at home explains a few simple checks, but it's not a substitute for an exam.
How we treat it
Your first visit is a one-on-one shoulder exam: range of motion, strength, and the movements that bring on your pain. Treatment usually includes:
Calming the painful movements down without fully stopping shoulder use
Progressive strengthening for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles
Hands-on care for stiffness in the shoulder, neck and upper back
A plan to get back to lifting, sport or overhead work
After rotator cuff surgery, we follow your surgeon's protocol and coordinate with them as you progress.
Book in Clifton
Clifton Physical Therapy is at 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012. No referral needed in New Jersey. Call 973-241-1338. Open Monday to Thursday 9 to 7 and Friday 9 to 5.
Meet Tiffany Zarcone, PT, DPT
Tiffany Zarcone, PT, DPT, is the Clinical Director at Clifton Physical Therapy in Clifton, New Jersey. She brings a wealth of experience in orthopedic rehabilitation, sports training, and women’s health, helping patients recover from pain and return to the activities they love.
Education & Background
Tiffany earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University and completed her undergraduate studies at Middlebury College, where she captained the varsity soccer team. Her background as both an athlete and clinician provides her with a unique understanding of how movement, strength, and performance intersect in the recovery process.
Call us today at (973)-241-1338 to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a rotator cuff injury?
It's irritation, inflammation or a tear in the rotator cuff, the four muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder. It can come from a fall or heavy pull, or build up slowly from repeated overhead use.
What does rotator cuff pain feel like?
Usually a dull ache in the outer shoulder or upper arm that gets sharper when you lift your arm, reach behind you, or lie on that side. Some people also feel weak when lifting.
How do I know if I tore my rotator cuff?
Sudden weakness lifting the arm after a fall or a heavy lift, or being unable to raise the arm at all, are warning signs. A physical exam is the first step. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI, ordered by a doctor, confirms a tear.
How is a rotator cuff tear diagnosed?
A clinician tests your strength and the movements that hurt. If a significant tear is suspected, a physician may order an ultrasound or MRI to see the tendon.
Can a rotator cuff tear heal without surgery?
A torn tendon doesn't usually grow back together on its own, but many people with partial tears, and some with full tears, regain good, pain-free function with physical therapy. Your doctor and therapist can help you decide if surgery is worth considering.
Should I rest a rotator cuff injury?
Short-term rest from painful movements helps, but completely immobilizing the shoulder can lead to stiffness. Gentle movement within comfort, then gradual strengthening, usually works better.
What exercises help a rotator cuff injury?
Common examples are band rotations in and out, shoulder blade squeezes, and gentle arm raises within a comfortable range. We choose and progress them based on your exam, since doing too much too soon can flare things up.
How long is rotator cuff recovery with physical therapy?
Tendon irritation often improves within several weeks. Tears and post-surgical recovery take longer, often months. We'll give you an estimate after your evaluation.
Do I need a referral in New Jersey?
No. You can book physical therapy directly in New Jersey. Check with your insurance plan about its requirements.
Do you treat shoulders after rotator cuff surgery?
Yes. We follow your surgeon's protocol and keep them updated as you progress.
Where is Clifton Physical Therapy?
1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012. Call 973-241-1338.
What are your hours?
Monday to Thursday 9 am to 7 pm and Friday 9 am to 5 pm.
What patients are saying
"I recently had ankle surgery and Clifton PT has been nothing short of amazing! My goal was to get back to playing soccer as quick as possible before the college season started and so far I'm right on track. Izzy, Bianca, Tiff, and John have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm back to 100%. Couldn't be more grateful to be treated by the best team ever!." - Nat Rufino
All the therapists at Clifton Physical Therapy are awesome, but I spend most of my time with Izzy and Bianca—and they’ve been amazing. They’re enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always take the time to explain what I’m doing and what my issues are. Their positive energy and clear communication make a big difference in my recovery." - Bryan Tompkins
"Going Clifton physical therapy was one of the best thing that came out of my back pain! Every single staff member is amazing and cares for your recovery! I have been with them for the past couple of months and now continuing their workout program! I can’t recommend them enough! Tiffany, Izzy, Bianca and everyone else I have worked with there! Can’t rave about them enough!!." - Monica Mehta
"Clifton Physical Therapy has been a great place for me to heal my meniscus tear. The staff is very knowledgeable and friendly, and has been extremely helpful in guiding me through my recovery. I highly recommend their services.." - Kelly Bevando
Clifton Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments): (973)-241-1338
Address: 1059 Bloomfield Ave, Clifton, NJ 07012
Clifton Physical Therapy | cliftonphysio.com
