Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol:: Peter J. Millett, MD, MSC

Peter J.
Millett, MD, MSc Director of Shoulder Service Knee and Sports Medicine Steadman Hawkins Clinic Vail, Colorado
Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol:

The intent of this protocol is to provide the therapist and patient with guidelines for the post-operative rehabilitation course after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. This protocol is based on a review of the best available scientific studies regarding shoulder rehabilitation. It is by no means intended to serve as a substitute for ones clinical decision making regarding the progression of a patients post-operative course. It should serve as a guideline based on the individuals physical exam/findings, progress to date, and the absence of post-operative complications. If the therapist requires assistance in the progression of a post-operative patient they should consult with Dr. Millett. Progression to the next phase based on Clinical Criteria and/or Time Frames as Appropriate.
Phase I Immediate Post Surgical (Weeks 1-6):

Goals: Maintain / protect integrity of repair Gradually increase passive range of motion (PROM) Diminish pain and inflammation Prevent muscular inhibition Become independent with activities of daily living with modifications Precautions: Maintain arm in abduction sling / brace, remove only for exercise No active range of motion (AROM) of shoulder No lifting of objects No shoulder motion behind back No excessive stretching or sudden movements No supporting of any weight No lifting of body weight by hands Keep incision clean and dry Criteria for progression to the next phase (II): Passive forward flexion to at least 125 degrees Passive external rotation (ER) in scapular plane to at least 75 degrees Passive internal rotation (IR) in scapular plane to at least 75 degrees Passive Abduction to at least 90 degrees in the scapular plane
Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol
DAYS 1 TO 6: Abduction brace/sling Pendulum exercises Finger, wrist, and elbow AROM Begin scapula musculature isometrics / sets; cervical ROM Cryotherapy for pain and inflammation -Day 1-2: as much as possible (20 minutes of every hour) -Day 3-6: post activity, or for pain Sleeping in abduction sling Patient Education: posture, joint protection, positioning, hygiene, etc. DAYS 7 TO 28: Continue use of abduction sling / brace Pendulum exercises Begin passive ROM to tolerance (these should be done supine and should be pain free) - Flexion to 90 degrees - ER in scapular plane to at least 35 degrees - IR to body/chest Continue Elbow, wrist, and finger AROM / resisted Cryotherapy as needed for pain control and inflammation May resume general conditioning program walking, stationary bicycle, etc. Aquatherapy / pool therapy may begin at 3 weeks postop
Phase II Protection / Active motion (weeks 5 - 10):

Goals: Allow healing of soft tissue Do not overstress healing tissue Gradually restore full passive ROM (week 4-5) Decrease pain and inflammation Precautions: No lifting No supporting of body weight by hands and arms No sudden jerking motions No excessive behind the back movements Avoid upper extremity bike or upper extremity ergometer at all times. Criteria for progression to the next phase (III): Full active range of motion
WEEK 5-6: Continue use of sling/brace full time until end of week 4 Between weeks 4 and 6 may use sling/brace for comfort only Discontinue sling/ brace at end of week 6 Initiate active assisted range of motion (AAROM) flexion in supine position Progressive passive ROM until approximately Full ROM at Week 4-5. -Gentle Scapular/glenohumeral joint mobilization as indicated to regain full passive ROM Initiate prone rowing to neutral arm position Continue cryotherapy as needed May use heat prior to ROM exercises May use pool (aquatherapy) for light active ROM exercises Ice after exercise Weeks 6-8 Continue active and active assisted ROM and stretching exercises Begin rotator cuff isometrics Continue periscapular exercises Initiate active ROM exercises - flexion scapular plane - abduction - external rotation - internal rotation
Phase III Early strengthening (weeks 10-14):

Goals: Full active ROM (week 10-12) Maintain full passive ROM Dynamic shoulder stability Gradual restoration of shoulder strength, power, and endurance Optimize neuromuscular control Gradual return to functional activities Precautions: No heavy lifting of objects (no heavier than 5 lbs.) No sudden lifting or pushing activities No sudden jerking motions No overhead lifting Avoid upper extremity bike or upper extremity ergometer at all times. Criteria for progression to the next phase (IV): Able to tolerate the progression to low-level functional activities Demonstrates return of strength/dynamic shoulder stability Re-establish dynamic shoulder stability
Demonstrates adequate strength and dynamic stability for progression to higher demanding work/sport specific activities. WEEK 10: Continue stretching and passive ROM (as needed) Dynamic stabilization exercises Initiate strengthening program - External rotation (ER)/Internal rotation (IR) with therabands/sport cord/tubing - ER side-lying (lateral decubitus) - Lateral raises* - Full can in scapular plane* (avoid empty can abduction exercises at all times) - Prone rowing - Prone horizontal abduction - Prone extension - Elbow flexion - Elbow extension *Patient must be able to elevate arm without shoulder or scapular hiking before initiating isotonics; if unable, continue glenohumeral joint exercises WEEK 12: Continue all exercise listed above Initiate light functional activities as Dr. Millett permits WEEK 14: Continue all exercise listed above Progress to fundamental shoulder exercises
Phase IV Advanced strengthening (weeks 16-22):

Goals: Maintain full non-painful active ROM Advance conditioning exercises for enhanced functional use Improve muscular strength, power, and endurance Gradual return to full functional activities WEEK 16: Continue ROM and self-capsular stretching for ROM maintenance Continue progression of strengthening Advance proprioceptive, neuromuscular activities Light sports (golf chipping/putting, tennis ground strokes), if doing well WEEK 20: Continue strengthening and stretching Continue stretching, if motion is tight May initiate interval sport program (i.e. golf, doubles tennis, etc.), if appropriate.

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol:: Peter J. Millett, MD, MSC

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Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol:: Peter J. Millett, MD, MSC

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Peter J.

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol:

Phase I Immediate Post Surgical (Weeks 1-6):

Phase II Protection / Active motion (weeks 5 - 10):

Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol

Phase III Early strengthening (weeks 10-14):

Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol

Phase IV Advanced strengthening (weeks 16-22):

Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol

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