Physical Therapy is crucial after a Rotator Cuff and/or Shoulder Labrum Repair.
A Physical Therapist (PT) will help to restore mobility, range of motion, decrease pain and improve strength.
First Visit: This visit will occur two to three days after surgery unless your surgeon’s protocol and preference differ. The PT will assist in removing any dressings/bandages that were applied after surgery if they have not yet been removed. The PT will ensure your sling/brace has a proper fit. Gentle Passive Range of Motion (PROM) will be completed to relieve some of the tightness/stiffness you may be feeling in your shoulder and shoulder blade regions. The PT will instruct in an elementary home exercise program and review your rehab protocol and pain control options (ie icing).
Future Sessions: Your PT will progress your movement and mobility via PROM exercises and move into Active Range of Motion (AROM) exercises including postural and stability activities. This progression is based on the healing timeline, the surgeon’s rehab protocol and the PT’s expertise related to manual therapy and exercise progression. Manual therapy (hands-on) techniques applied by the PT are imperative to help relieve your muscle tension/guarding, improve your joint and soft tissue (muscle, fascia) mobility and to help alleviate pain. Resistive training (weights, bands, cable pulley system) will be introduced after six to eight weeks, depending on the progression and surgery.
Sessions take place two to three times per week. These sessions last approximately 45-60 minutes.
When will PT be finished?
You can expect approximately four to six months of PT after a shoulder Rotator Cuff repair and/or labral repair. This timeline varies based on surgery performed, surgeon goals and of course patient goals.
What patients can do to prepare for post-surgical Physical Therapy:
You will want to book your initial post-operative PT appts as soon as you schedule your surgery. This will allow for the clinical staff to better accommodate your schedule requests to make attending the PT sessions convenient and consistent for you to attend. You will want to make sure you have a driver who can take you to and from the PT sessions for at least the first few weeks after surgery. Maintain overall good health and body weight prior to surgery. Follow your surgeon’s guidelines on immediate post-operative pain management. This will help your tolerance to the first few PT sessions.
List of Physical Therapists:
Click here to learn more about our Rehabilitation Team.