

Golf club AAROM external rotation at 45 degrees.I prefer exercises that have also been shown to have minimal rotator cuff EMG activity, especially after a rotator cuff repair. I believe it’s critically important to get the shoulder moving in multiple planes while maintaining a relaxed position, and that’s why I typically choose supine or seated as my preferred positions. From my perspective, the main focus after most surgeries should be regaining ROM, as this will help improve: These are a few of the most common and beneficial mobility exercises I prescribe to patients following shoulder surgery. Exercises to Help Restore Motion After a Shoulder Surgery

As a physical therapist, my job is to help guide each patient’s rehab in a safe and efficient manner and to prescribe safe, evidence-based exercises to restore ROM. Two to three hours of therapy each week is not any more detrimental to the patient than the other 165+ hours they spend not doing therapy. Rehabilitation professionals can answer many of their questions, address their concerns, and provide pain control. They are often in pain, confused, and worried about the long-term results of their surgery. In general, my philosophy is to get people who have had shoulder surgery into rehab as quickly as possible. These are just a few of the many studies currently available that show no differences in outcomes with early motion during physical therapy. They went on to show that 92 percent of the tears healed after surgery, with no significant difference between the two rehabilitation protocols. Keener, et al., showed no apparent advantage or disadvantage of early passive range of motion compared with immobilization with regard to healing or functional outcome in small- or medium-sized rotator cuff repairs. The study’s authors did note that caution should be utilized in a large tear repair to avoid higher retear rates. In a systematic review and meta-analysis, Saltzman, et al., found that better ROM could be achieved with early motion up to one year postoperatively for forward elevation and up to six months for external rotation ROM. For example, Cuff and Pupello found no significant differences in patient satisfaction, rotator cuff healing, or range of motion between early and delayed groups, when the early rehab group started rehab two days after surgery versus the delayed group, which began therapy six weeks after surgery. However, it seems as if some of these notions have been refuted and show no difference in outcomes with early ROM versus a delayed rehab. Many surgeons are concerned that early ROM, although typically passive in nature, can be detrimental to the repaired tissue. Unfortunately, there is some controversy with early ROM after a rotator cuff repair or even a labral repair. Range of Motion After Shoulder Surgery Is Safe Restoring shoulder mobility after a surgery is critical to the patient’s long-term function.Īlthough differing opinions exist regarding the exact timing of these activities after a surgery, it is clear that certain exercises should be utilized in the clinic and at home.
