Rotator Cuff Rehab is Critical

The rotator cuff is the group of 4 muscles and a common tendon in the shoulder joint. Together they provide stability to the shoulder by stabilizing the ball or the head of the upper arm bone in the socket as you move your shoulder. The rotator cuff provides sliding and twisting stability that is critical for your shoulder function.

Rotator cuffs are subject to repetitive stress due to overuse, sports and other injuries and aging related wear and tear. The ability of the body to repair itself also decreases with age. This may result in the need to see an experienced orthopedic doctor if you are suffering from a rotator cuff injury or pain.

If the damage to the rotator cuff is severe or not likely to heal on its own, the doctor may recommend a rotator cuff repair. A rotator cuff repair is a minimally invasive, arthroscopic, outpatient surgery. Very small incisions are made which reduce blood loss and less damage to surrounding tissues. It causes less pain, less muscle trauma, and significantly better results, as compared to open rotator cuff surgery.

Rotator cuffs have intrinsically poor blood supply. Tendons need less oxygen compared to muscle because tendons act as ropes to connect muscle and bone. This reduced need for oxygen means reduced blood supply. This makes them less likely to heal and more vulnerable to tears, degenerative damages and stress and strain.

These factors have a great influence on tendon healing post-repair. Patients are usually placed in a sling for about 6 weeks after surgery in a way that the forearm rests more at the side. This is supported by a pillow to reduce tension on the repaired tendon. Patients are allowed to gently bend and straighten the elbow out of the sling once or twice a day. This is accompanied by simple passive exercises to reduce shoulder stiffness and discomfort.

An arthroscopic rotator cuff repair would take about 12 weeks to completely heal. If stressed too early, or you actively move it too soon, the repair may fail.

Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation

Stiffness can cause soreness and extreme discomfort in the shoulder. Hence, rehab after rotator cuff surgery is designed to reduce stiffness while maximizing repair-site integrity.

After 6 weeks, the rotator cuff is still healing but prolonged immobilization can cause stiffness. So, at six weeks most patients are taken off the sling and allowed to restore motion with some restrictions on activities and lifting to minimize the risk of damage or strain to the healing tendon. By 12-14 weeks, most patients are able to regain most passive motion and can begin gentle strengthening exercises. By 6 to 9 months, most patients can return to active sports, such as golf, tennis, kayaking, swimming etc.

To learn more about or to consult the leading shoulder surgeon in Phoenix, call FXRX Inc at 480-449-3979.

Fxrx is a leading clinic based in Tempe, Arizona that provides board certified orthopedic surgeon in and around Phoenix.