Cryo Cuff

Shoulder Information

Rehabilitation after Rotator Cuff Decompression Surgery

If you have NOT had you rotator cuff repaired

The main issue in the rehabilitation is preventing unwanted scar formation.

While your shoulder is healing, motion is necessary to prevent unwanted scar tissue formation. These exercises must be comfortable for you-if you have problems doing them comfortably, let us know. Your operated shoulder is assisted by your other hand.

		Pendulums You can move your shoulder passively by standing up and bending over at the waist, allowing the operated arm to dangle down in a relaxed way
		Forward Elevation Passive motion is also easily done while you are lying on your back. Grasp the arm of your operated shoulder with the opposite hand and slowly help the arm up to a vertical position and then over your head. On lowering it back down you will need to concentrate on keeping the operated shoulder completely relaxed

		External Rotation A second exercise is performed while you are lying down with both your elbows bent to a right angle. Using a cane or dowel or yardstick, gently push the wrist of the operated shoulder out to the side while keeping your elbow at the side
		Pulleys and finger walking on a table are good alternative ways of elevating the arm

These range of motion exercises are continued until your surgeon tells you it is time to start the next phase of exercises. You may progress your exercises as comfort allows. If you have any questions, please let your doctor know.

Further Protocols for small and large rotator cuff tears

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