Surgical — Rotator Cuff Repair — Small to Medium Tears

Sanford Health

Weight-Bearing

N/A – upper extremity

Key Restrictions

No AROM x 0-6 wks; no movements beyond neutral extension; no reaching behind back; no lifting/pulling/pushing; AROM at 8 wks (weight of arm only); 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; independent strength program recommended ≥1 year post-op

Timeline & Phases

6 phases: Maximum Protection (0-4 wks, PROM only), Healing/Protective (4-6 wks, sling, progress PROM to flexion 120°/ER to 45°), Minimal Protection/Mobility (6-12 wks, AROM at 8 wks, submaximal isometrics at 8 wks), Strengthening and Proprioceptive (12-24 wks, progressive strengthening), Advanced Movement and Impact (6-9 months, RTS). Total 6-8 months; 90% contralateral strength for RTS

Published

01/2026