Rotator Cuff Repair

SOMOS (Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons) · Tri-Service Orthopedics & Physical Therapy Consultants

Weight-Bearing

N/A (Upper Extremity)

Key Restrictions

Sling per tear size: small 4 wks, medium 6 wks, large/massive 6-8 wks; PROM immediate for small/medium only; AROM at 4/6/8 wks; no AROM, no lifting, no push-ups Phase 1; no lifting >10 lbs, no overhead Phase 2; subscapularis repair: ER per Ortho; pass fitness test 9-12 months; RTS 6-12 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0 to 5-8 wks): sling per tear size, PROM for small/medium only, no AROM — pendulums, scapular retractions/shrugs/depressions, hand squeezes, elbow/wrist AROM, shoulder isometrics (FLEX/ADD/EXT/ABD only, NO IR/ER), recumbent bike; Phase 2 (5-8 wks): wean sling, AAROM to 120° FLEX/ABD (small/medium) or PROM to 90° (large/massive), no lifting >10 lbs, no overhead — ROM, trunk stabilization NWB, scapular strengthening (retractors/upward rotators), RC PREs, bike then elliptical/treadmill; Phase 3 (9-16 wks): full ROM goal, initiate strengthening high reps/low loads progressing to low reps/high loads, running progression; Phase 4 (4-6 months): pain-free ADLs, bilateral shoulder strength — advanced functional training (lift/pull/carry/climb); pass fitness test 9-12 months; RTS 6-12 months

Notes

Sling and PROM/AROM timing based on tear size: small <1cm2 / medium 1-3cm2 / large 3-5cm2 / massive >5cm2; subscapularis repair ER per Ortho; RC tendon healing takes 8-12 weeks; Tri-Service May 2020; military population

Surgeon / Author

Tri-Service Orthopedics & Physical Therapy Consultants

Published

2020