Rotator Cuff Repair — Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

The Steadman Clinic · Dr. Peter J. Millett MD, MSc

Weight-Bearing

Abduction sling/brace full time weeks 1-4; comfort only weeks 4-6; D/C end of week 6

Key Restrictions

No AROM weeks 1-6; no lifting; no shoulder motion behind back; no sudden movements; no supporting body weight; no UE bike/ergometer at any stage; no overhead lifting weeks 10-14; no heavy lifting >5 lbs weeks 10-14

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (weeks 1-6): abduction sling, pendulums, PROM progression (flexion 90° days 7-28, full by weeks 4-5), scapular isometrics; Phase II (weeks 5-10): AAROM, AROM, RTC isometrics weeks 6-8, prone rowing; Phase III (weeks 10-14): RTC strengthening (ER/IR bands, full can, prone exercises, lateral raises), light functional activities week 12; Phase IV (weeks 16-22): advanced strengthening, proprioception, light sports week 16, interval sport program week 20

Notes

Dr. Peter J. Millett MD MSc; The Steadman Clinic, Vail, CO; criteria for Phase II: PROM flexion >= 125°, ER >= 75°, IR >= 75°, ABD >= 90° scapular plane; criteria for Phase III: full AROM; aquatherapy from week 3; avoid empty can abduction exercises at all times — use full can in scapular plane only; light sports (golf chipping/putting, tennis ground strokes) at week 16; interval sport program (golf, doubles tennis) at week 20

Surgeon / Author

Dr. Peter J. Millett MD, MSc