Postoperative Rotator Cuff Repair

Typical repairs involve about six weeks without active movement of the repaired arm. A representative postoperative progression moves from passive motion to assisted motion, active motion, and then loading. Early passive range of motion after repair is treated as a possible re-tear risk, but the cited evidence is not detailed. Postoperative rotator cuff repair requires non-negotiable respect for healing constraints. Active contraction of the repaired rotator cuff too early may increase re-tear risk. Athletes in later-stage rotator cuff rehabilitation need progression toward fast, throwing-like or overhead tasks when relevant. Ribcage manual work and breathing activities may be useful early after repair because they can influence shoulder range without active contraction of the repaired shoulder.