Post-Op Rehab for Rotator Cuff Repair

The rotator cuff is a group of four tendons attached to the ball of the shoulder joint. These tendons surround the ball much like the cuff of a sleeve fits around the wrist. When the arm turns away from the body, the tendons act to hold the ball correctly in the socket with a smooth motion. If these tendons becomes torn, it may become difficult to use the arm in normal everyday activities. A rotator cuff tear can happen through contact to the shoulder or through repeated stress over the years.

If you’ve recently suffered a rotator cuff injury, it is important to follow the specific guidelines following the operation. First and foremost, do not elevate the arm above 70 degrees for the first four weeks. Do not lift any objects over 5 pounds for the first six weeks. You should also avoid reaching and rotating your arm for at least a couple weeks. It’s crucial to ice your shoulder 3-5 times everyday to alleviate swelling. Since you will be in an arm sling for at least four weeks, you should sleep with a pillow underneath the arm for proper elevation.

The main goal for a rotator cuff repair is to protect the healing tendon and restore passive ROM on the shoulder. You should begin this with physical therapy exercises such as Pendulums Standing Scapular Mobility, Supine or Standing Passive External Rotation Supine, Seated or Standing Passive Shoulder Flexion, Passive Internal Rotation (starting at two weeks post-op), and Passive Horizontal Adduction Ball Squeeze. These exercises should be performed 3-5 times a day for the first week post-op.

As the weeks progress the goals will increase as well as the exercises. On week three you should start to use your arm for normal activities with of course caution if lifting things. This is an extremely long process and takes about year to fully recover with full passive ROM.

Enhanced Physical Therapy will be more than helpful in getting your shoulder movement back on track with optimal care. Give us a call to schedule an appointment and let us help you to a full recovery!