Pectoralis Major Repair — Pectoralis Major (Pec) Muscle Repair

UW Health Sports Medicine · UW Health Sports Medicine group

Weight-Bearing

N/A (shoulder surgery)

Key Restrictions

Sling continuously Phase I; sling whenever not doing rehab Phase II; PROM only: ABD starts 30° (+5°/wk), flexion starts 45° (+5°/wk), ER at side starts 5° (+5°/wk, max 30°, no abducted positions); no pec major actions (shoulder IR/adduction/flexion) until Phase III; ER limited to 45° in abducted positions Phase III; no horizontal abduction until Phase IV; bench press capped at 50% pre-injury max weeks 18-22

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-2 wks): sling, elbow/wrist/neck AROM only; Phase II (2-6 wks): PROM per weekly progression (ABD, flex, ER per precautions), shoulder isometrics except pec actions; Phase III (6-12 wks): sub-max pec isometrics in shortened position only, full ROM by wk12, wean sling; Phase IV (12-18 wks): progressive pec isotonics → eccentrics, RC at 90°, bench 50% max wks 18-22; Phase V (18+ wks): progressive to full range eccentrics/plyometrics, sport-specific, RTS with surgeon clearance and UE testing

Notes

Pectoralis major tendon repair (cortical buttons or suture anchors) for complete rupture. Common in weightlifters and football players. Motion restrictions are opposite of posterior shoulder instability: limit extension, horizontal abduction, and ER early. No horizontal abduction loading (bench press, push-ups) until Phase IV with 50% max cap through weeks 18-22. No publication date. UW Health Sports Medicine group.

Surgeon / Author

UW Health Sports Medicine group