After a small rotator cuff repair, when is assisted flexion and external rotation ROM typically initiated?

After a small rotator cuff repair, when is assisted flexion and external rotation ROM typically initiated?

• A. Week 0-1
• B. Week 2-4
• C. Week 6-8
• D. Week 12-14

Answer: (B)

Protecting the repaired tendon while gradually restoring movement is the guiding idea after rotator cuff surgery. In the early healing phase, the tendon-bone interface is vulnerable, so motion is introduced cautiously to avoid strain on the repair. A small rotator cuff repair can tolerate gentle, assisted motion sooner than larger repairs, so starting assisted flexion and external rotation in the second to fourth week provides the right balance: enough motion to prevent stiffness and maintain joint mobility, but not so much force that it risks pulling on the repair. This means a therapist assists the shoulder through gentle ranges without the patient actively contracting the rotator cuff. Starting earlier than this risks compromising the repair, while waiting much longer can lead to stiffness and slower recovery.

Protecting the repaired tendon while gradually restoring movement is the guiding idea after rotator cuff surgery. In the early healing phase, the tendon-bone interface is vulnerable, so motion is introduced cautiously to avoid strain on the repair. A small rotator cuff repair can tolerate gentle, assisted motion sooner than larger repairs, so starting assisted flexion and external rotation in the second to fourth week provides the right balance: enough motion to prevent stiffness and maintain joint mobility, but not so much force that it risks pulling on the repair. This means a therapist assists the shoulder through gentle ranges without the patient actively contracting the rotator cuff. Starting earlier than this risks compromising the repair, while waiting much longer can lead to stiffness and slower recovery.