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Shoulder - Rotator Cuff/Impingement Recovery
Post-surgical care for impingement and rotator cuff
tears are similar. General care recommendations include:
Rehabilitation programs for impingement and rotators cuff surgery
differ slightly.
Impingement rehabilitation begins almost immediately:
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Exercises to regain
shoulder motion usually begin with a therapist in the first
week after surgery and continue for about 6 weeks.
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At 6 weeks, most
patients have regained full motion and will continue to regain
strength with a home exercise program.
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Full recovery time
after surgery varies; most patients have greatly improved at
3 months and are close to normal by 6 months.
Rotator cuff recovery is generally slower and requires more supervision.
In order to achieve a full and rapid recovery, surgery should be performed
as soon as the patient has full range of motion and has gained good
muscle strength from a physical therapy program started when the injury
is first detected. After surgery, the patient follows a closely monitored
program:
- Therapy is carefully controlled in the first 6 - 12 weeks while
the tendons heal back to the bone.
- The first goal is to regain full motion within 3 months after
surgery. A therapist will assist in the early stages with gradual
recovery of motion.
- During the first 6 weeks, there is no active use of the shoulder
in order to protect the surgical repair.
- Once initial healing is achieved, a progressive stretching
and strengthening program should begin.
- Full recovery can take more than 6 months. Some patients may
require more time to regain muscle strength and complete the healing
process.
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