Rotator Cuff Repair

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE; abduction pillow brace/sling for 6 weeks

Key Restrictions

Abduction pillow brace/sling for 6 weeks; PT typically not started until 2-week post-op visit; PROM only for first 6 weeks; no isotonics until arm can elevate without shoulder or scapular hiking; progressive strengthening (0.5 kg/10 days, no pain)

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (0-6 wks): Days 0-14: pendulums, elbow/hand gripping, cryotherapy; Wks 2-4: PROM (flex/abd 90°, ER/IR 30°, ext 30°), rhythmic stabilization, scapular isometrics; Wks 4-5: PROM progressing (flex/abd 120°, ER 30°, IR 45°), ER/IR tubing, prone rowing; Wks 5-6: advance PROM, AAROM/AROM to 90°; Phase II (wks 7-14): AROM, lateral raises, full can, prone exercises, UBE (wks 8-9), isotonic resistance 0.5 kg from wk 10, cross-body stretch; Phase III (wks 15-24): full ROM stretches, fundamental shoulder exercises (diagonals, push-up plus, dynamic hug, ER/IR); Phase IV (wks 24-36): return to activity/sport progression

Notes

Abduction pillow brace/sling for full 6 weeks; PT typically delayed until 2-week visit; no isotonics until elevation without scapular hiking; resistance progressed at 0.5 kg/10 days without pain; cross-body posterior capsule stretch in Phase III; return to activity Phase IV (24-36 weeks); 4 phases

Published

01/2023