ROTATOR CUFF REPAIR PROTOCOL
Diagnosis: Date of Surgery:
Frequency: 1 2 3 4 times/week Duration: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Weeks
Weeks 0-1:
- Patient to do Home Exercises given post-op (pendulums, elbow ROM, wrist ROM, grip strengthening)
- Patient to remain in sling for 6 weeks
Weeks 1-6:
- True PROM only! The rotator cuff tendon needs to heal back into the bone
- ROM goals: 140º FF/40º ER at side; ABD max 60-80º without rotation
- No resisted motions of shoulder until 12 weeks post-op
- Grip strengthening
- No canes/pulleys until 6 weeks post-op, because these are active-assist exercises
- Heat before PT, ice after PT
Weeks 6-12:
- Begin AAROM àAROM as tolerated
- Goals: Same as above, but can increase as tolerated
- Light passive stretching at end ranges
- Begin scapular exercises, isometrics for large muscle groups (pecs, lats, etx)
- At 8 weeks, can begin strengthening/resisted motions
- Isometrics with arm at side beginning at 8 weeks
Months 3-12:
- Advance to full ROM as tolerated with passive stretching at end ranges
- Advance strengthening as tolerated: isometrics àbands àlight weights (1-5 lbs); 8-12 reps/2-3 sets per rotator cuff, deltoid, and scapular stabilizers
- Only do strengthening 3x/week to avoid rotator cuff tendonitis
- Begin eccentrically resisted motions, plyometrics (ex. Weighted ball toss), proprioception (es. body blade)
- Begin sports related rehab at 4 ½ months, including advanced conditioning
- Return to throwing at 6 months
- Throw from pitcher’s mound at 9 months
- Collision sports at 9 months
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