Surgical — Rotator Cuff Repair — Large to Massive Tears

Sanford Health

Weight-Bearing

N/A – upper extremity

Key Restrictions

No AROM x 0-8 wks; immobilization 6-8 wks; AROM at 8 wks; strengthening at 12 wks; subscapularis repair: ER to neutral x 4 wks, no resisted IR x 12 wks; biceps tenodesis: no isolated biceps contraction x 6 wks; poor compliance at 6 wks = 152x higher retear risk; independent strength program ≥1 year post-op

Timeline & Phases

6 phases: Maximum Protection (0-4 wks, formal PT starts 2-4 wks, PROM only), Healing/Protective (4-6 wks, sling, progress PROM to flexion 90-120°), Minimal Protection/Mobility (6-12 wks, AAROM/AROM at 8 wks), Strengthening and Proprioceptive (12+ wks, strengthening at 12 wks), Advanced Movement and Impact (6-9 months, RTS). Total 6-9 months; 90% contralateral strength for RTS

Published

10/2025