This narrative review by Millett et al. synthesizes basic science and available clinical trial evidence to construct a four-phase, evaluation-based rehabilitation protocol for rotator cuff disease — addressing both nonsurgical management and postoperative care after repair. The central question is how to structure rehabilitation progression to protect the repair while optimizing healing and functional recovery.
When planning rotator cuff repair rehab, gate each phase on clinical milestones (passive ROM targets, ability to elevate without hiking) rather than calendar dates alone — and when you see significant atrophy on preoperative MRI, counsel patients that re-tear risk may be as high as 85% and protect the repair accordingly.
Avoid prescribing pulleys or empty-can exercises in the first 10–12 weeks; substitute therapist-assisted passive ROM and side-lying abduction instead.
This narrative review by Millett et al. synthesizes basic science and available clinical trial evidence to construct a four-phase, evaluation-based rehabilitation protocol for rotator cuff disease — addressing both nonsurgical management and postoperative care after repair. The central question is how to structure rehabilitation progression to protect the repair while optimizing healing and functional recovery.
When planning rotator cuff repair rehab, gate each phase on clinical milestones (passive ROM targets, ability to elevate without hiking) rather than calendar dates alone — and when you see significant atrophy on preoperative MRI, counsel patients that re-tear risk may be as high as 85% and protect the repair accordingly.
Avoid prescribing pulleys or empty-can exercises in the first 10–12 weeks; substitute therapist-assisted passive ROM and side-lying abduction instead.