Rotator Cuff Repair — Small to Medium Tears

iOrtho

Weight-Bearing

Sling day and night with abduction pillow (30-45 deg) wks 1-6; gradually removed wks 6-10 with surgeon clearance

Key Restrictions

No AROM or PROM shoulder wks 1-6; no WB; no reaching overhead or behind back; no pushing/pulling; no AROM until wks 10+; no IR until wks 6-10; no lifting >5lbs wks 18-22; no lifting >10lbs wks 22-26; no empty can position at any stage; no straight arm lateral raise ever

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (Wks 1-6 immobilization), Phase II (Wks 6-10 PROM), Phase III (Wks 10-18 AAROM/AROM + isometrics wks 14-18), Phase IV (Wks 18-22 initial strengthening), Phase V (Wks 22-26 advanced strengthening), Phase VI (Wks 26-30 RTS)

Notes

Very conservative; submaximal isometrics only wks 14-18; maximal strength testing not until 10-12 months post-op

Published

August 2024