Rotator Cuff Repair — Large Tear

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine

Weight-Bearing

FWB; sling/swathe at all times wks 0-6 (except bathing/sitting from wk 2); sling for comfort wks 6-12 (may discontinue)

Key Restrictions

PROM limits wks 0-6: 90° pure abd, 20° ext, 70° IR (not behind back); avoid subscapularis activation until 4-6 wks; no reaching behind back until wk 8+; patient must elevate without shoulder hiking before progressing; resistive exercises per surgeon wks 12-18

Timeline & Phases

0-2 wks, 2-6 wks, 6-12 wks (AAROM/AROM, sling for comfort), 12-18 wks (resistive exercises per surgeon)

Notes

Open and arthroscopic large tear; resistive exercises held per surgeon from wks 12-18; no shoulder hiking is criterion for progression