Rotator cuff tears are a significant source of shoulder pain, and more than 200,000 people per year in the U.S. have rotator cuff repair surgery. Studies show that physical therapy supports recovery after surgery to repair the rotator cuff.
Phases of physical therapy after rotator cuff repair
Clinical director Hector Mayo divides the PT program for rotator cuff repair into three phases: healing (protective), functional, and restorative.
1. Healing, or protective phase
The healing phase generally lasts from four to six weeks. The goal is to maximize healing while protecting the repair. The therapist will use techniques that minimize pain while increasing range of motion, such as shoulder oscillations and passive range of motion. The patient may do exercises to improve shoulder flexion and extension, horizontal adduction and abduction, and shoulder circumduction in both directions.
2. Functional phase
The functional phase also lasts from four to six weeks. The goal of this phase is for the patient to regain the ability to use the repaired shoulder for the activities of daily living, such as grooming, dressing, opening a door, or washing dishes. Exercises in this phase are prescribed to increase shoulder stability and muscle strength. The therapist may assist the patient in doing manual resistance exercises. The patient may also do some exercises that improve internal rotation and others that improve external rotation.
3. Restorative phase
The restorative phase can last from six to eight weeks or more. The goal of the restorative phase is to return the patient to full function: carrying loads, lifting, or anything else they could previously do with their arm. The phase includes exercises with a weighted ball to increase strength in the rotator cuff.
For the majority of patients, the goal for physical therapy following rotator cuff surgery is for the shoulder to be fully functional and as strong as possible. Whether the patient is an athlete, an electrician, a carpenter, or anyone else who needs full function in their shoulder, our goal is for them to return to using their arm as they did before tearing the rotator cuff, without limitations.
Hector Mayo demonstrates the physical therapy program following rotator cuff repair.
FAQ
How long after surgery should I start physical therapy?
Physical therapy generally starts 7-14 days after rotator cuff repair surgery. Your doctor will likely recommend the best time for you to start PT.
How long does it take to get an appointment?
At Grand Central Physical Therapy, we can usually get you on the schedule in one or two days. We recommend scheduling once your surgery is complete.
How many times a week do I need PT?
For rotator cuff repair patients, we recommend scheduling therapy appointments two to three times per week.
How long is each appointment?
Each appointment is 45-60 minutes. You’ll receive one-on-one care from a senior physical therapist. We don’t use assistants or aides.
Will I do exercises at home in addition to therapy appointments?
Your therapist will recommend when you should start home exercises.
How long does the physical therapy program last?
The complete physical therapy program after rotator cuff repair surgery is generally from 14-20 weeks, but therapy may last longer depending on the patient’s progress.