What to Expect from Physical Therapy After Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff surgery is often needed when you have an injury to the muscles or tendons in your shoulder. After the surgery, physical therapy (PT) is an important part of the recovery process. This guide will help you understand what to expect from PT, how it will help you heal, and what steps you can take to improve your recovery.

Why Is Physical Therapy Important After Rotator Cuff Surgery?

After rotator cuff surgery, your shoulder will need time to heal. Physical therapy helps restore strength, movement, and function to your shoulder. Without PT, you may face long-term problems such as stiffness, weakness, or even re-injury. PT also helps you avoid complications that can happen if you don’t properly rehabilitate the shoulder.

The Phases of Physical Therapy After Rotator Cuff Surgery

Your physical therapy journey will take place in different stages. Each stage focuses on healing and rebuilding strength step by step. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:

1. Phase 1: Early Healing (0 to 6 Weeks)

• Focus: Healing and reducing pain.
• What to Expect: Right after surgery, your shoulder will be in a sling to help it heal. During this time, you should avoid using the shoulder too much. Physical therapy at this stage will focus on gentle exercises to keep your shoulder moving without putting too much strain on it.
• Exercises: The therapist might ask you to do simple movements, like pendulum swings (bending over and letting your arm hang down to move in small circles). These movements help keep your shoulder from becoming stiff.
• What to Keep in Mind: At this stage, the goal is not to gain strength but to prevent the shoulder from becoming stiff and to let the tendons start to heal.

2. Phase 2: Restoring Range of Motion (6 to 12 Weeks)

• Focus: Gaining flexibility and starting strength-building exercises.
• What to Expect: By now, your shoulder will start to heal more. Your therapist will guide you through exercises that help you move your arm more freely. While you won’t be doing heavy lifting, you may begin using light bands or weights to build strength gradually.
• Exercises: At this stage, you’ll likely do assisted range of motion exercises, where you help move your arm using your good arm. You may also work on shoulder stretches.
• What to Keep in Mind: You may still experience some discomfort during exercises, but it should not be painful. Work closely with your therapist to ensure you are not pushing too hard too soon.

3. Phase 3: Strengthening (3 to 6 Months)

• Focus: Building strength and preparing for more normal activities.
• What to Expect: This phase is when the real work begins. Now that your shoulder is healing well, you’ll start to do exercises that help rebuild strength. These exercises will focus on the muscles around the shoulder joint, including those in the arm, back, and chest.
• Exercises: You may use resistance bands or light weights to do exercises like arm raises, internal and external rotations, and scapular stabilization (helping your shoulder blades move properly). These exercises will help you regain strength and stability in your shoulder.
• What to Keep in Mind: This is a longer phase, so you may need to be patient as your shoulder gets stronger. However, as you build strength, you will be able to do more and more activities.

4. Phase 4: Full Recovery (6+ Months)

• Focus: Returning to normal activities, including sports or work.
• What to Expect: At this stage, your shoulder should be feeling much better. You can start returning to normal activities like lifting objects or playing sports, depending on your doctor’s advice. You’ll continue doing strengthening exercises but with more advanced movements and more weight.
• Exercises: These exercises will be more specific to your daily activities or sports. If you play a sport like tennis or baseball, your therapist will help you practice motions related to those activities.
• What to Keep in Mind: It’s important not to rush this stage. While you may feel stronger, your shoulder still needs time to get back to full function. Don’t do anything too strenuous without the approval of your therapist or doctor.

How to Make the Most of Your Physical Therapy

Success in physical therapy treatment comes from following the plan and being patient. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

1. Stick to the Plan

Your therapist will give you specific exercises to do at home. It’s important to stick to this plan, even on days when it feels hard. The more consistent you are, the faster you will recover.

2. Don’t Rush It

Recovery takes time. It’s natural to want to feel better quickly, but trying to do too much too soon can slow your progress. It’s important to be patient and allow your body to heal at its own pace.

3. Communicate with Your Therapist

Let your therapist know how you’re feeling, especially if you feel pain or discomfort. If something doesn’t feel right, tell them. Your therapist will be able to adjust your exercises and make sure you are on track for recovery.

4. Take Care of Your Shoulder at Home

In addition to PT sessions, you may need to follow a routine at home. Apply ice to reduce swelling and rest when necessary. You might also need to avoid activities that can strain your shoulder.

What If Something Goes Wrong?

While physical therapy is generally safe and helpful, it’s important to be aware of any signs that something may not be going well. Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Increased Pain: If you feel more pain than usual or sharp pain during exercises, it could be a sign that you’re pushing too hard.
• Swelling: Some swelling is normal after surgery, but if it gets worse or doesn’t improve, it’s important to contact your therapist or doctor.
• Inability to Move: If your shoulder feels stiff and you can’t move it at all, this might signal a problem. Make sure to communicate any loss of range of motion with your therapist.

Conclusion

Physical therapy is an important part of recovering from rotator cuff surgery. While the process can take time, following your therapy plan and being patient will help you regain the full function of your shoulder. Remember to work closely with your physical therapist and always communicate about your progress. With the right care, you can expect to get back to doing the things you love.

By taking things step by step and listening to your body, you can ensure a smooth recovery and prevent future issues with your shoulder.

This is a guest blog entry.