Pectoralis Major Repair — Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE

Key Restrictions

Sling at all times (except HEP and PT) for 6 weeks; sleep in sling; no lifting with operative shoulder; passive FF limited to 130° weeks 0-4; passive ER limited to 25° weeks 4-6; avoid active IR and horizontal adduction through week 12; avoid anterior capsule stretching throughout; no overhead work

Timeline & Phases

0-4 wks: sling always, pendulums, passive supine FF to 130°, hand/wrist/elbow ROM, peri-scapular strengthening; 4-6 wks: sling continues, PROM (FF full, ER 25°), deltoid/RC isometrics, avoid anterior capsule stretch; 6-12 wks: discontinue sling wk 6, PROM/AROM (flex, ER, abd), avoid active IR and horizontal adduction until 10-12 wks, light UE resistance (avoid IR until wk 10); 12+ wks: begin active IR/adduction, full AROM, progressive strengthening, single-arm pec exercises, plyometrics when full strength achieved, sport-specific; RTS: doctor clearance, strength test, throwing program if applicable

Notes

Avoid active IR and horizontal adduction until 12 weeks; passive FF limited to 130° first 4 weeks; passive ER limited to 25° weeks 4-6; UE resistive exercises (avoiding IR) begin week 6-12; single-arm pec strengthening begins after 12 weeks; plyometrics only when aggressive resistance achieved with full strength; long recovery expected for return to contact/overhead sport

Published

12/2024