Rotator Cuff Repair
PHASE 1: 0-4 WEEKS
- Sling with abduction pillow at all times except for hygiene/exercises
- Pendulum exercises and Codman’s only until 4 weeks post-op
PHASE 2: 4 WEEKS – 8 WEEKS
- Wean from sling/abduction pillow at 4 weeks post-op
- ROM: gentile passive forward flexion to 140°, abduction to 80°, 40° ER (at side)
- May begin gentile IR behind back to T8
- Strengthening: gentile active assisted exercises in supine position
- May progress to active exercises with resistance at 6 weeks post-op
- Begin joint mobilizations
- Initiate deltoid and biceps strengthening at 6 weeks post-op
PHASE 3: 8 WEEKS – 3 MONTHS
- ROM: full ROM w/o discomfort as tolerated
- Strengthening: continue scapular stabilization, begin IR/ER isometrics, posterior capsular stretching
PHASE 4: 3 MONTHS+
- Begin sport specific activities, increase joint velocity of motion
- Transition to home exercise program