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