Dear Patient,
Recovery after rotator cuff repair requires a structured rehabilitation plan to ensure the best possible outcome. Please follow the outlined phases carefully:
Phase 1: Immediately After Surgery (First 14 Days)
• Protecting the Tissue: The arm should remain immobilized in a sling/brace to promote proper healing.
• Consistent Use of Sling/Brace: The sling or brace must be worn at all times, including at night, to protect the repaired tissue.
• Cold Therapy: Ice packs can help reduce pain and swelling. Important: Always place a towel between the ice pack and your skin to prevent frostbite.
• Pain Medication: Take your prescribed pain medication as directed. If pain is less than expected, you may reduce the dosage accordingly.
• Movement: Fingers, wrist, and elbow may be moved freely.
• Passive Motion: Pendulum exercises are allowed starting 48 hours after surgery.
• Pain Threshold: Mild, pulling pain (maximum 3 on a scale of 10) is acceptable. Stronger pain requires reducing activity.
Phase 2: First Six Weeks (Week 3 to 6 Postoperative)
• Consistent Use of Sling/Brace: The sling or brace must continue to be worn, especially outside of physical therapy sessions.
• Passive Motion Exercises: In addition to pendulum exercises, the operated arm may be moved passively using the healthy arm or trunk movements.
• No Active Use or Weight Bearing: The arm should not be actively used or bear any weight.
• Physical Therapy Supervision: All exercises should be performed under the supervision of a physical therapist.
• Pain Threshold: Exercises should only be performed within a pain-free range.
Phase 3: Week 7 to 12 Postoperative
• Discontinuing the Sling/Brace: The sling or brace may now be removed.
• Active Motion: The arm can now be actively moved, but only under the guidance of a physical therapist.
• Self-Exercises: The patient should perform learned exercises multiple times per day.
• Physical Therapy Goals: Monitor range of motion, set new movement targets, and correct exercise execution.
• Pain Threshold: Mild, pulling pain (maximum 3 on a scale of 10) is acceptable. Stronger pain requires reducing activity.
Phase 4: Week 13 to 16 Postoperative
• Strength Training Begins: Initial strengthening exercises with a maximum load of 3–5 kg are allowed.
• Guidance by Physical Therapy: Strength training should only begin under the supervision of a physical therapist.
• Regular Training: Exercises should be performed multiple times daily by the patient, with 1–2 weekly therapy sessions for monitoring.
• Pain Threshold: Continue to perform exercises within a pain-free range.
Phase 5: Week 17 to 24 Postoperative
• Transition to Full Load: Gradual increase in activity and weight-bearing.
• Continued Physical Therapy Supervision: Avoid increasing load independently, as this may cause harm.
• Return to Full Function: Sports and strenuous activities should be resumed gradually and individually tailored.
• Pain Threshold: Mild pain is acceptable, but load should be adjusted if pain increases.
Please follow these guidelines carefully. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or physical therapist.
Best regards,
Florian Grubhofer, MD