Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery: What to Expect
Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery is a fairly common procedure involving surgical repair of torn and/or frayed rotator cuff tendons. There are 4 muscles that make up the rotator cuff. One or more of these tendons may be repaired in your surgery.
How many tendons are repaired and what other work may be performed on the shoulder during the procedure, can impact the rate of progress in your recovery. Some examples of other work may include arthroscopic debridement (shaving down structures to make them smooth so less shearing occurs), and a biceps tenodesis or tenotomy (often the biceps tendon is frayed or torn as well as the rotator cuff tendon(s) and may require being repaired or surgically detached.
What to Expect Following Surgery:
Patients are most often required to wear a sling for 6 weeks.
Patients must avoid actively moving their surgical shoulder for 6 weeks.
Patients then will use some assistance to move their shoulder until week 8.
At week 8, patients begin to move their shoulder actively, starting to return to more normal daily activities, with precautions.
No heavy lifting of objects (no heavier than 5 lbs.); No sudden lifting or pushing activities; No sudden jerking motions- until weeks 12-14.
Starting at week 16, progression back into full functional activities begins and lifting/pushing/jerking restrictions are lifted. This is where the heavier strengthening phase takes place (week 16-20).
If the patient is returning to a sport or high level activity, this takes place during weeks 20-26.
Your surgeon and your physical therapist will communicate to determine when you are able to return to full activity, work, and sport.
Here is a break down of the Rotator Cuff Rehab:
Weeks 0-8+ Mobility Phase: focus is on restoring range of motion, muscle flexibility, and mobility at the joint. This mostly involves the PT moving your shoulder and using assisted means of moving your shoulder, so as to not disrupt the surgery.
Weeks 8-10 Active Mobility and Light Functional Use: Focus is on being able to move your own shoulder with normal, everyday movements (reaching all directions).
Weeks 10-14 Beginning of light strengthening phase: Focus is on light strengthening of the shoulder.
Weeks 14-16 Intermediate strengthening phase: Focus is on moderately challenging strengthening of the shoulder and return to normal everyday use of shoulder.
Weeks 16-20 Advanced strengthening phase: Focus is on intense strengthening of the shoulder and return to work and light sport activities.
Weeks 20-26 Return to Sport Phase: Focus is on return to sport exercises and gradual reintroduction into sport or advanced activity.
When Do I Start Physical Therapy?
Your surgeon will let you know when to begin PT. Typically this is anywhere from 1-6 weeks.
How Long Will I Need Physical Therapy?
This depends on a few factors: how complex/involved your surgery was, what activities you want to return to, your individual progress, your physical therapist and surgeon’s requirements for full release. Typically, rotator cuff repair surgery rehab is 5-6 months. Typically appointments start out more frequent (2-3x per week) and gradually become less frequent as you progress in your rehab. Towards the end, you may be going to PT every 2-3 weeks.
What Will I Need for My Rehab?
Shoulder pulleys are usually recommended near the start of your rehab. Here is one we recommend.
Light dumbbells or hand weights are helpful for the start of the shoulder strengthening phase. 1-3lbs. Here is an example.
Resistance Bands can be a helpful tool during the strengthening phase of your rehab. Your PT may provide some TheraBand, but these can be helpful for home use. Here is an example:
If you have any additional questions about your recovery, please reach out to us!