Rotator Cuff Repair

University Orthopedics (Brown University) · University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division

Weight-Bearing

N/A (upper extremity)

Key Restrictions

Immobilizer with abductor pillow x 4-6 weeks (including sleep); no IR behind back if subscapularis repair; no overhead press or pull downs long-term; no contact sports until 9 months

Timeline & Phases

Phase I (1-21 days): immobilizer with abductor pillow, AAROM flex/abd to 90°; Phase II (3-6 wks): AAROM flex/abd to 150°; Phase III (4-8 wks): D/C immobilizer, full AROM, light Theraband; Phase IV (9-12 wks): normal RC strength, 30 wall push-ups; Phase V (3-4 months): run 2 miles, 30 chair push-ups; Phase VI (4-6 months): return to all activities

Notes

Abductor pillow immobilizer x 4-6 weeks; IR restricted if subscapularis involved; no contact sports until 9 months post-op

Surgeon / Author

University Orthopedics Sports Medicine Division