Rotator Cuff Tear, Surgery for
Contraindications: reasons not to operate
• Inability or unwillingness of the patient to complete the postoperative program of keeping the shoulder in a sling or immobilizer or to perform the rehabilitation necessary
Postoperative course
• Keep the shoulder in a sling, brace, or immobilizer for as long as your surgeon tells you to; this is usually for 4 to 8 weeks, if done as an open procedure or arthroscopically.
• Immediately after surgery, you may be instructed to perform passive motion exercises; these move the arm without using the muscles of the operated shoulder.
Return to sports
• Return to sports depends on the type of sport and the position played, as well as the quality of the tendon at the time of repair.
When to call your doctor
• Any of the following occur after surgery: increased pain, swelling, redness, drainage, bleeding in the surgical area, or signs of infection (headache, muscle aches, dizziness, or a general ill feeling with fever).
Range of motion shoulder pendulum
1. Lean forward at the waist, letting your weak arm hang freely. Support yourself by placing your opposite hand on a chair, table, or counter as shown.
2. Sway your whole body slowly, forward and back. This will cause your arm to move. Let your arm hang freely, and do not tense it up.
3. Repeat the motion above, swaying side to side and moving in circular patterns, clockwise and counterclockwise.
Range of motion shoulder flexion, single arm
1. Lie on your back and grasp the bottom of a stick, handle of an umbrella, or blade of a golf club in the hand of your weak arm as shown.
2. Using the stick, raise your arm overhead as shown, until you feel a gentle stretch. Lead with your thumb in a “thumbs up” position.
Range of motion shoulder abduction, single arm
1. Lie on your back holding a stick, umbrella handle, or golf club in your hand as shown. Your hand should be in a “thumbs up” position.
2. Using the stick, slowly push your arm away from your side and as far overhead as you can without pain. Push until you feel a gentle stretch.
Range of motion shoulder external rotation
1. Lie on your back or stand with your weak arm at your side and your elbow bent to 90 degrees. Hold a stick, umbrella handle, or golf club in your hand as shown.
2. Use the stick to rotate your hand and forearm away from your body as shown. Make sure you keep your upper arm and elbow close to your side.