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The post-operative regime for rotator cuff repairs varies
according to the size and state of the repair. Details on the degree of the
tear will be documented in the post-op instructions.
Grading of Tears
Minor: Less that 1cm
Medium: 1cm-3cm
Major: 3cm-5cm
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Minor/ Medium rotator cuff tears |
Major rotator cuff tears |
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Pre-op |
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- ROM exercises
- Specific deltoid strengthening
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Day 1 -
3 weeks |
- Mastersling with body belt
- Wrist/hand/finger exercises
- Elbow flex/ext, pro/supination
- Shoulder girdle exercises
- Scapula setting exercises
- Pendular exercises
- Passive ROM in all directions as
tolerated
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- Mastersling with bodybelt
- Wrist/hand/finger exercises
- Elbow flex/ext, pro/supination
- Shoulder girdle exercises
- Scapula setting exercises
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3- 6 weeks |
- Do not force or stretch
- Gentle isometric exercises in
neutral as pain allows
- Wean off sling
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- Pendular exercises
- Passive ROM only in all
directions as tolerated
- Gentle isometric exercises in
neutral as pain allows
- Maintain the sling
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6 weeks + |
- Begin active assisted exercises
- Progress to full active exercises
in all ranges
- Begin rotator cuff strengthening
(pain free)
- Closed chain exercise
- Begin stretching the capsule
- Begin proprioceptive exercises
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- Begin active assisted exercises
- Progress to full active exercises
in all ranges, adding in resistance after 8 weeks
- Closed chain exercises
- Begin proprioceptive exercises
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This protocol is based on maintaining range of movement
in the first phase and then gradually building strength in the middle to the
last phase.
Return to
functional activities
Driving
8 Weeks
Swimming
Breaststroke: Minor 6/52 Major 12/52
Freestyle:
Minor 12/52 Major - unlikely to progress
Golf
3 Months
Lifting
3 Months (Then guided by the strength of the individual patient)
Return to work
Sedentary job: Minor 6/52 Major 8/52
Manual job:
Guided by Surgeon
For more information please contact
therapists@shoulderdoc.co.uk
03/11/2003 |
