Therapy for Rotator Cuff Strain
Introduction
If you’re looking for working with an occupational therapist for rotator cuff strain treatment, we want you to be as informed as possible—so we can truly partner to create the best course of treatment for YOU.
In occupational therapy, we tend to work from “menus” of evidence-based assessments and treatments. This gives us the flexibility to meet the specific needs of each patient. Below, you’ll see the assessment and treatment options your therapist may use, along with the evidence that supports them.
Please note that this page is for educational purposes and should not substitute advice from your medical provider. At the bottom of this page, you’ll find therapists near you who can support you in your rotator cuff strain treatment.
Why Pursue Therapy First?
This post focuses on therapy treatment for rotator cuff strain. As with most conditions, conservative treatment like therapy is typically the first course of care.
Other treatment options like corticosteroid injections, are often considered a second option, as the injections carry risks like tendon weakening and increased risk of tendon rupture.
The amount of therapy sessions needed will vary based on your initial evaluation. In general the higher your initial disability score the more frequent your sessions. Ultimately our goal is self-management with a personalized prescribed program. (Read more about this below in discharge.)
Related Assessments
Assessments are powerful tools to help us partner in your care. They establish a clear baseline, direct our treatment efforts, and give us a reliable way to track your progress over time. Your team may select some specific measures that fit your unique situation. Here are some examples:
Core Therapy Measures
Additional Rotator Cuff Strain Measures
Core Therapy Measures3, Additional Rotator Cuff Strain Measures1,2,4
Evaluation Notes for OT Potential Club Members
An important note: The Clinical Practice Guideline from AAOS reports that the prevalence of Rotator Cuff Tear (RCT) increases with age. Data shows that 54% of asymptomatic patients aged 60 and above have sustained either a partial or complete RCT on MRI.14 This is important information for you, as a therapist, and for your patient, as the presence of a tear does not equate to an inability to function normally.
Patient Rated Outcome Measure → Administer at evaluation, re evaluation, and discharge.
Observe Posture
Rounded shoulders, head forward and palms facing backwards at
rest suggests proximal weakness.Please also note scapula position on ribcage, keeping in mind normal is symmetrical.
Spine to medial border of the scapula = 2 inches
Inferior angle elevated?
Springle Deformity → 1 shoulder elevated
Upper Quarter Screen
Dermatomes, Myotomes and Reflexes - pay close attention to: C5 (Rhomboids)
Level | Dermatome | Myotome | DTR |
|---|---|---|---|
C1 | Top of Head | Occiput flexion | |
C2 | Occiput | Occiput extension | |
C3 | Behind Ear | Cervical side bending | |
C4 | Supraclavicular | Shoulder shrug | |
C5 | Deltoid insertion | Shoulder abduction | Biceps |
C6 | Dorsal aspect of first web space | Elbow flexion | Brachioradialis |
C7 | Dorsum of middle finger | Elbow extension | Triceps |
C8 | Ulnar border of the hand | Thumb Extension | Digit flexors |
T1 | Medial Elbow | Digital intrinsic muscles |
Active ROM Assessment (document position of patient - this therapist prefers standing as patient is able)
Norms according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons. Please always measure both sides of the body, and consider this comparison for goal setting versus sole reliance on norms.Thoracic ROM
Shoulder ROM in standing or sitting
Raising arm involves the following scapula movements
Upward rotation
Posterior tip
Abduction
External rotation
Supine in plane of scapula: 90-90 assessment of Total Arc of Rotation Measurement (TARM)
Add external rotation and internal rotation → 170 degrees is normal
If less than 160 degrees, abnormal
If over 180 degrees, abnormal with concerns of instability
Elbow ROM
Forearm ROM
Wrist ROM
Passive ROM assessment considerations on the Glenohumeral Joint
External Rotation in different angles of elevation
0 Degrees = Superior Glenohumeral (GH)
45 Degrees = Middle GH
90 Degrees = Inferior GH and Axillary Pouch
Strength Testing
Manual Muscle Testing (MMT) and muscles involved
Shoulder flexion → anterior deltoid, coracobrachilais, middle deltoid, pectoralis major
Shoulder extension → latissimus dorsi, posterior deltoid, teres major, triceps
Shoulder abduction → middle deltoid, supraspinatus
Shoulder horizontal abduction → posterior deltoid, infraspinatus, teres minor
Shoulder horizontal adduction → pectoralis major, anterior deltoid
Shoulder external rotation → infraspinatus, teremes minor, posterior deltoid
Shoulder internal rotation → subscapularis, pectoralis major, latissumus dorsi, teres major, anterior deltoid
Grip strength bilaterally3
Grip Strength with elbow bent, forearm neutral
Grip Dynamometer costs roughly $275 on Amazon.
Special Tests Reference Table
Test Group | Test Name | Purpose | Link to Definition |
|---|---|---|---|
Posterior Cuff | External Rotation MMT (Infraspinatus & Teres Minor) | Assesses strength of external rotators | |
Anterior Cuff | Lift-Off Test | Assesses subscapularis function | |
Belly Press Test | Alternate subscapularis assessment when lift-off is not possible | ||
Bear Hug Test | Subscapularis integrity | ||
Superior Cuff | Empty Can Test | Supraspinatus integrity and impingement | |
Full Can Test | Alternative to Empty Can, less painful | ||
First Rib / Thoracic Outlet | Cervical Rotation Lateral Flexion (CRLF) Test | Detects elevated first rib causing neural compression (TOS) | |
Neural Testing | Arm Squeeze Test | Differentiates cervical radiculopathy from shoulder pathology | |
Scratch Collapse Test | Identifies nerve entrapment through momentary loss of resistance | ||
ULTTa (Upper Limb Tension Test A) | Assesses nerve tension (median nerve) – rules out radiculopathy | ||
Radiculopathy Cluster | Spurling’s Test | Rules in cervical radiculopathy with high specificity | |
Cervical Rotation < 60° | Indicator of cervical involvement | ||
Traction Relief Test | Symptom relief suggests radicular component | ||
Arm Abduction Test | Symptom relief by arm elevation, supports radiculopathy diagnosis |
Differential Diagnoses
Labral Tear: Deep pain, clicking/popping, instability, often from overhead or traumatic injury
Adhesive Capsulitis: Global restriction of passive and active ROM, capsular end feel, insidious onset, more common in diabetics
Bursitis: Local tenderness, swelling, pain with movement, but preserved strength
Glenohumeral Instability: Feeling of “slipping” or “giving out,” history of dislocation or repetitive overhead activity
Biceps Tendinopathy: Anterior shoulder pain, pain with elbow flexion/supination, positive Speed’s or Yergason’s tests
Possible Goal Areas
Therapy works best when there is buy-in from the patient. It is important that you work with your therapist to set treatment goals that truly reflect what’s important to you.
Goal Bank For OT Potential Club Members
Each goal is intended as a starting point. The functional motivation behind each goal should be identified collaboratively with the client.
Patient will report a decrease in (QuickDASH) outcome score to (at least
MCD) demonstrating increased activity tolerance in affected functional tasks like *** without symptom increase within 2 weeks.Patient will return to all impacted upper-body self-care tasks (e.g., grooming, dressing, bathing) without pain over 3/10 within 6 weeks.
Patient will demonstrate improved MMT strength to 5-/5 in (affected planes of motion) for improved participation in (impacted functional tasks) within 6 weeks.
Workers Compensation Specific → reference the Department of Labor definitions for physical demand levels of different jobs to guide your functional interventions and work-specific goals.
Occupational Requirements to use when making goals for return to specific jobs.
Treatment Interventions
After a thorough evaluation and goal-setting process, it is time to start making progress. Below are treatment interventions that can be implemented as part of a holistic therapy program.
Aerobic Warm Up for endorphin release
Manual Therapy
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) 10,11,12
Recommended Multi-Tool from Hawkgrips can be used on full body
Cost: $595
Thoracic spine mobilization and extension15,16
Myofascial Decompression (cupping)13,17
Range of Motion
Shoulder
Passive
Assisted
Glenohumeral joint → patient assisted
Closed chain
Wand exercises
Pulleys
Sleeper Stretch
Four Corner Stretching
Scapula → therapist assisted
PNF clocks
Active
Shoulder circles
Wall climbs
Thoracic Spine → extension with towel or roller
Functional Strength
Posterior cuff (Infraspinatus and Teres Minor)
Prone exercises5,6
Seated external rotation
Sidelying external rotation
Anterior cuff (Subscapularis)
Wings
Bear hug
Belly Press
Superior Cuff (Supraspinatus)
Full can
Ceiling punch
Scapular Stability
Focus on serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi to prevent winging6
Lower Trapezius → Table Press, Superman
Core exercises for painful shoulder
Proprioception
Table circles
Wall circles
Overhead bounce on wall
Self-Care Home Management and Activity Modification
Lifting mechanics
Ergonomic positioning and setup
Incorporate Functional Tasks based on patient goals and affected ADLs
Additional Pain Management Tools
Home Program
Patient Education on Disease Pathology 7,8
Treatment Interventions with Notes for Clinicians
Aerobic Warm Up for endorphin release
Manual Therapy
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) → recommend 4-6 treatment sessions, 3 minutes per area.10,11 The tool will vibrate over tissue problems, giving more information than hands alone while protecting finger joints from the wear and tear of frequency soft tissue mobilization.
Recommended Multi-Tool from Hawkgrips can be used on full body
Cost: $595
Evidence-based support:
Ligaments: IASTM use in ligament repairs showed treated ligaments were 43.1% stronger, 39.7% stiffer and could absorb 57.1% more energy before failure at 4 weeks.12
Recommend a focus on infraspinatus fossa, upper trapezius, and subscapularis
Mobilization with movement
Strumming
Thoracic spine mobilization and extension15,16
Myofascial Decompression (cupping)13,17
Range of Motion
Shoulder (see photos of a variety of exercises referenced below here)
Passive
Assisted
GH joint → patient assisted
Closed chain
Wand exercises
Pulleys
Sleeper Stretch
Four Corner Stretching
Scapula → therapist assisted
PNF clocks
Active
Shoulder circles
Wall climbs
Finger ladder
Ball rolling
Thoracic Spine → extension with towel or roller
Functional Strength
Posterior cuff (Infraspinatus and Teres Minor)
Prone exercises5,6
Y
T
I (extension)
90-90 ER
Seated ER
Sidelying ER
Anterior cuff (Subscapularis)
Wings
Bear hug
Belly Press
Superior Cuff (Supraspinatus)
Full can
Ceiling punch
Scapular Stability
Focus on serratus anterior and latissimus dorsi to prevent winging6
Suggestions: Weight bearing exercises, push up progressions, dynamic hug, rows.
Lower Trapezius → Table Press, Superman
Core exercises for painful shoulder
Proprioception
Table circles
Wall circles
Overhead bounce on wall
Self-Care Home Management and Activity Modification
Lifting mechanics → “Thumbs Up” cue, avoid palm up lifting, cue to “balance book on your head” when lifting from floor to waist to encourage decreased strain on shoulders by keep chest open.
Ergonomic positioning and setup
Incorporate Functional Tasks based on patient goals and affected ADLs
Challenge sustained postures they need to maintain throughout their day
Consider the pace of exercises to match functional tasks once mechanics are sound.
Additional Pain Management Tools
Home Program → recommend selecting between 1-3 priority exercises for the best chance of patient compliance with program.
Patient Education on Disease Pathology
Therapeutic Neuroscience Education is shown to have a NNT (number needed to treat) value of 3, compared to strong opioids at 4.3.7 In addition to reduction of pain, it has also been shown to improve function, movement, and decrease healthcare utilization.8
Discharge Suggestions
Self-management and empowerment
Home exercise program with proximal posture component for an additional 3 months to help establish good body mechanic habits
Red Flags9
If symptoms and objective measures worsen or fail to improve after 2-4 weeks of therapy, recommend follow-up with a physician for further assessment.
Recommend taking blood pressure and pulse with every patient
Symptoms of any kind that present bilaterally
Fever
Unexplained sweating
Nausea
Fatigue
Weight loss
Dizziness/fainting
Pain that is constant and unchanging regardless of position/loading
Pain at night
Discharge Suggestions
Every individual is unique, and your response to therapy will also be unique. For some, it is not appropriate to continue therapy until the condition completely resolves. For others, pain may resolve before the entire rehabilitation program is established. In the latter’s case, it is important to remember that pain is a symptom – not a diagnosis, and that strength and endurance deficits must be addressed to prevent recurrences.
Follow your therapist’s discharge recommendations to maintain progress made in therapy.
Continue to use self-management and empowerment strategies to control any remaining symptoms
Follow a home exercise program with proximal posture component for an additional 3 months to help establish good habits for body mechanics, even if you feel back to 100%
Consult your therapist immediately if your condition worsens, or if you continue to have difficulty with your daily activities after 3 months.
Education Resources for Clinicians
Hand and Upper Extremity Rehabilitation A Practical Guide, 4th Edition. This is a useful, efficient reference text for anyone treating upper extremity.
Starting at $86 on Amazon.
American Society for Hand Therapists (ASHT.org)
Annual Membership is $275.
Hand Therapy Academy (They have great content on Instagram as well.)
Choosing a Therapist
Both occupational therapists and physical therapists can treat rotator cuff injuries In less severe cases, a generalist therapist from either discipline should be able to help you.
It is important to note that both OTs and PTs can pursue advanced certification as a Certified Hand Therapist. To achieve this rigorous specialization of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder, therapists must log 4,000 hours of experience treating the upper extremity and pass a formal examination. They also must complete various recertification requirements every 5 years.
Below you can find occupational therapy professionals, who have tagged “hand therapy” as a focus area. The ones with a “CHT” in their credentials are Certified Hand Therapists.
Karen Welch
OTR/L
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Drivers Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Sexuality/Intimacy, Social Determinants of Health, TBI, Trauma & PTSD
Jamie Boldig
MOT, OTR/L
Appleton, Wisconsin
Aging in Place, ADHD, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Anxiety, Aphasia & Communication Disorders, Assistive Technology, Autism, Burns, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Dystonia, Ergonomics, Fitness, Feeding and Eating, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Hippotherapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Leadership, Medication Management, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Population Health, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rare Diseases, Rheumatic Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome, Voice & Fluency
Paul Pettyjohn
OTR/L, CPAMS, MLD/CDT, CAPS
Monterey Park, California
Aging in Place, Burns, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Fitness, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Home Modifications, Lymphedema, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention, Stroke, TBI
Kathy Soseman
OTD OTR/L CHT
Occupational Therapist
Pathways Hand Therapy & Wellness
Nevada, Iowa
Coaching, Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention
Cortni Krusemark
OTD, OTR/L, CLA
Educator
Augustana University
Dakota City, Nebraska
Chronic Pain, Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal
Gretchen Bachman
PhD, OTD, OTR/L, MBA, CHT
Northern Arizona University
Phoenix, Arizona
Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Social Determinants of Health
Lauralee Gordon
OTR/L
Flow Therapeutics, LLC
Richmond, Virginia
ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Maternal Health, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Rare Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Sexuality/Intimacy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Tourette syndrome
Salmin Chacha
OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
AL NOOR TRAINING CENTRE
dubai
ADHD, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Aquatic Therapy, Aphasia & Communication Disorders, Assistive Technology, Autism, Burns, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, CIMT, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Developmental Delays, Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Emergency Department, Feeding and Eating, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Health Data, ICU/Critical Care, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Maternal Health, Medication Management, Mitochondrial Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Pelvic Health, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rare Diseases, Rheumatic Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Sexuality/Intimacy, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, Swallowing & Dysphagia, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Amanda M Fonner
OTR/L
Educator
Mercy Hospital Jefferson
Festus, Missouri
Anxiety, Burns, Cancer, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Depression & Mood Disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), Hand Therapy, Health Promotion, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Social Determinants of Health, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Sanchala Sen
OTD, MSc, BSc (OT), OTR/L, BCPR, FAOTA
Winston-Salem State University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, CIMT, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Knowledge Translation, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Multiple Sclerosis, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Rheumatic Diseases, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI
PJ Bhakta
OTR, OTD, PCES, CSOT
Consultant
TheraSolutions Consulting, LLC
Cedar Park, Texas
ADHD, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Depression & Mood Disorders, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Health Data, Health Policy, Health Promotion, Industrial Rehabilitation, Insomnia & Sleep, Knowledge Translation, Lifestyle Medicine, Leadership, Maternal Health, Neurodiversity, NICU, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Population Health, Sexuality/Intimacy, Social Determinants of Health, Sports Medicine & Performance, Trauma & PTSD
Rachel Egan
OTR/L, MS, CHT, COMT-UE
NovaCare Rehabilitation
Blaine, Minnesota
Aquatic Therapy, Cancer, Chronic Pain, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dementia, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Industrial Rehabilitation, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Prevention, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Rheumatic Diseases, Stroke
Kathleen Davidson
MA, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Kathleen Davidson - Occupational Therapist
Los Angeles, California
ADHD, Anxiety, Aquatic Therapy, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Coaching, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Dystonia, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Multi-tiered System of Supports, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Haley Van Escobar
MOTR/L, CHT, PMP
Occupational Therapist
Hand Therapy Learning Lab
Seabeck, Washington
Coaching, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Knowledge Translation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Trauma & PTSD
Hailey Burns
OTR/L
Colorado Springs Therapy Center
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Leadership, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal
Calvin Lee
OTD, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Cedars-Sinai
Los Angeles, California
Ergonomics, Hand Therapy, Health Promotion
Lana Hoke
OTR/L
West Tennessee Healthcare - Sports Plus Rehab Centers
Milan, Tennessee
Aging in Place, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Ergonomics, Fitness, Hand Therapy, Insomnia & Sleep, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurorehabilitation, Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Parkinson’s, Prevention, Stroke, TBI
Madeline Dommel
OTR/L
Advanced Therapy Solutions, LLC.
Middletown, Connecticut
Aging in Place, ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Burns, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Conditions, Chronic Pain, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Insomnia & Sleep, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Lymphedema, Maternal Health, Mitochondrial Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Nature-based, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Orthopedics & Musculoskeletal, Osteogenesis Imperfecta, Parkinson’s, Pelvic Health, Prevention, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome, Vestibular & Balance Rehab
Jessica Lopez
COTA
Los Angeles, California
Aging in Place, ADHD, Aquatic Therapy, Autism, Grant Writing, Hand Therapy, Lifestyle Medicine, Low Vision Rehabilitation, Nature-based
Alona Prowell
MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational Therapist
Lake Havasu City, Arizona
ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Maternal Health, Multi-tiered System of Supports, Neurodiversity, NICU, TBI
Emily Claire Gorshe
OTD, OTR/L, BCPR
St. Catherine University
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hand Therapy, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI
Jennifer Beasley
Occupational Therapist
Occupational Therapist
Christus Oschner lake are hospital
Lake Charles, Louisiana
ADHD, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Hand Therapy, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Low Vision Rehabilitation, Neurodiversity, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Rare Diseases, Seating and Mobility, Spinal Cord Injury, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome
Corrina Holcomb
OTS
Student
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Hand Therapy
Ashley Elma
OTS
Student
Xavier University
Cincinnati, Ohio
ADHD, Autism, Cancer, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Hand Therapy, Home Modifications, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Lifestyle Medicine, Lymphedema, Maternal Health, Neurodiversity, Neurorehabilitation, NICU, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Prevention, Spinal Cord Injury, Stroke, TBI, Trauma & PTSD, Tourette syndrome
Conclusion
Hopefully this article has helped you understand what therapy for rotator cuff strain entails, and if you will be a good candidate!
OT Potential does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or therapists referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking medical advice should consult their medical provider.
Contributors
Rachel Egan
OTR/L, MS, CHT, COMT-UE
Sarah Lyon
OTR/L
Sarah Lyon, OTR/L, is the CEO of OT Potential. Sarah earned her BA from St. Olaf College and her master’s degree in occupational therapy from New York University. Her diverse clinical background spans multiple settings, including critical access, acute trauma, and state inpatient psychiatric hospitals. In 2011, she founded OT Potential to fulfill the industry's need for reliable, high-quality occupational therapy resources and continuing education.
As a recognized content creator, Sarah has collaborated with top healthcare brands like VeryWell Health, WebPT, and MedBridge. She blends her clinical expertise with a talent for creating clear, action-oriented content that empowers practitioners to excel. Passionate about elevating the OT profession, she has been featured on numerous industry podcasts. Sarah ultimately returned to her roots, running OT Potential and raising her family in her hometown of Aurora, Nebraska.
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