Physio Network [Physio Discussed] Tackling large rotator cuff tears with Dr Jared Powell and Dr Kathryn Fahey
30 snips
Aug 27, 2025 Join Dr. Jared Powell, a Queensland physiotherapist with a PhD in shoulder pain, and Dr. Kathryn Fahey, an Irish Chartered Physiotherapist specializing in rotator cuff pathology, as they delve into the challenges of large rotator cuff tears. They discuss innovative, personalized assessment strategies and the importance of patient-centered care. The conversation shifts toward the intricacies of conservative management versus surgical approaches, emphasizing evidence-based practices and fostering strong therapeutic relationships to support patient recovery.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Assess By Movement Experiments
- Use movement exploration and exercise experiments instead of rote special tests during assessment.
- Tweak weight, plane, range or context to find symptom-relieving variations and make those the home exercises.
Pragmatic Diagnostic Labeling
- Rotator cuff related shoulder pain is a useful pragmatic diagnostic label for many presentations.
- It focuses on a cluster of symptoms with good prognosis and supports non-surgical care first.
Give Conservative Rehab Time
- Commit to at least 12 weeks of high-quality conservative rehab before considering surgery for non-traumatic presentations.
- Be persuasive, set expectations, and continue conservative care up to six months if progress occurs.