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Rehabilitation After a Rotator Cuff Repair

Recovery after a rotator cuff repair runs in phases: protection first, then movement, then strength. Here is what to expect at each stage.

The rehabilitation timeline

Recovery after a rotator cuff repair is best thought of in phases. The timeframes below are the usual pattern, but your own programme is written around the repair you have had and should be followed in preference to any general guide.

  • Weeks 0 to 6. Typically for the first 6 weeks following the surgery the shoulder is immobilised in a sling. A physiotherapist supervises light range-of-motion exercises that avoid putting pressure on the shoulder or strain on the repair.
  • From about 6 weeks. The sling is usually discarded and exercises are increased. Light active lifting of the arm begins, with the initial aim of restoring range of motion.
  • From about 12 weeks. Light strengthening exercises generally start.
  • 3 to 4 months. Function often returns around this point, although this varies from person to person.
  • 6 months. Normal work and recreational activities can usually resume. Return to sport is generally not possible before this point.

What to expect from the result

Published series report good to excellent results in about 90 to 95 per cent of patients following rotator cuff repair. Pain and function typically improve by 6 months, although occasionally this takes longer. Individual results vary.

Things that influence the outcome

Several factors affect how well a repair does, and most of them relate to the condition of the tendon before surgery rather than to the rehabilitation itself.

  • Thinning and degenerative weakening of the tendon.
  • The size of the tear. Larger tears place more strain on the sutures and are more difficult to repair.
  • Retraction and scarring of the tendon over time, which can make a repair impossible.
  • Muscle atrophy and fatty replacement from long-standing tears, which reduce the chance of recovery.
  • Arthritis, which can prevent the repair from relieving symptoms. Significant arthritis is often a contraindication to repair.

Your part in it

Patient compliance matters. Excessive stress on the shoulder can cause the sutures to break, to dislodge, or to tear through the tendon, so it is important to follow your post-operative precautions closely. If you are unsure whether a particular movement or activity is safe at your stage, ask your physiotherapist before trying it.

Related pages

The exercise videos are indexed on the rehabilitation page. Please work through the programme your own physiotherapist has given you rather than all of the exercises shown, as some are not safe immediately after particular operations.

These instructions are general guidance for patients of Dr Kenneth Cutbush. Your own instructions may differ depending on your procedure. Always follow the advice given to you by Dr Cutbush and your physiotherapist. If something does not look or feel right, contact the rooms on (07) 3063 5500.