Physical Therapy Exercises for a Torn Rotator Cuff

Stand up straight and hold a 24-inch exercise band about shoulder length apart. Pull the band about 12 inches to the outside with each arm and hold the position for 3 seconds. Return to the original position and repeat the exercise 10 times. Take a 30-second break and do another set.

Stand and hold a 3-lb. dumbbell in each hand. Let the weights dangle shortly below waist level with your arms extended. Shrug your shoulders up and hold the weight in that position for 3 seconds. Return to the original position and repeat 10 times. Take a 30-second break and repeat the set. Using a heavier weight could damage your shoulder further but using a light weight can help blood flow and start the rebuilding process of the four rotator cuff muscles.

Lay down on a flat surface or a weight bench. Use a house broom or a golf club and hold it as if you were going to do a bench press with a heavy weight. Lift the broom or club up 12 to 14 inches and then lower it to its original position. Repeat the lift 10 times. The action of lifting---even though the weight is negligible---will help torn rotator cuff muscles and possibly improve function.