Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Surgery Rehab
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Post-operative management
You will have a dressing on your surgery site which needs to stay clean and dry for 14 days.
You can move your hand, fingers and elbow straight away, but wear the sling provided for most of the day. The sling helps to take the weight of your arm to let the shoulder rest.
You can begin to gently move the shoulder a couple of days after surgery but do not carry any weight or lift anything during the first 2 weeks.
After 2 weeks you will have an appointment with your specialist to have your wound checked, any stitches will be removed. The team will then give you advice on exercises and physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy can be helpful to get your arm and shoulder moving and strong again, but do not start this until you have had your appointment with your specialist at 2 weeks.
As with all surgery, there are risks repairing your torn rotator cuff muscles. These include infection, delayed healing or no healing of the tendon. Difficulty with pain and range of movement may also be occur.
Rehabilitation following surgery to fractures or repair tendons of the shoulder
STAGE 0 (0-2 weeks)
Pendular type exercises can be started in the first 2 weeks after surgery:
This exercise allows you to gently move the shoulder and arm in a slow circular movement several times and day. It helps keep the shoulder moving so that it does not get stiff.
In the first two weeks do not lift your shoulder above 90 degrees or lift anything heavier than a glass of water.
STAGE 1 (2 - 6 weeks)
Lying down, clasp fingers together and use your 'good' arm to raise the 'bad' arm from your abdomen towards your head
Now try to raise both arms over your head and hold for 5 seconds
Complete 5 repetitions, 5 times per day
STAGE 2 (6 - 12 weeks)
Start sitting in a chair, then progress to standing when comfortable
Clasp fingers together and place your hands on your head and rest for a few seconds
Now straighten your elbows and raise your hands above your head and hold for 5 seconds
Bring your hands back down to your abdomen, with your elbows tucked into your side resting on a flat surface, take your hands out as wide as you can and hold for 5 seconds.
Complete 5 repetitions, 5 times per day
STAGE 3 (12 weeks onwards)
Commence strengthening exercises as directed by your physiotherapist
