Best Exercises for Rotator Cuff | Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery | Phase 4

Learn more about rotator cuff rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair here http://www.matthewboesmd.com/rotator-....

Welcome to Dr. Matthew Boes’s Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation video series. This video is designed to help maximize your recovery following rotator cuff repair/surgery. The goal of our Phase 4 program for rotator cuff rehabilitation is to regain normal strength and pain-free function of the shoulder. Remember the following as you engage in Phase 4 rotator cuff exercises:

Continue warm-up stretch if motion is not full
Progress to light dumbbells (2-5lbs) as strength improves; some exercises are easier to do with Therabands; it is okay to continue with bands if they are more comfortable than dumbbells
Strengthening should continue 3 times per week for up to 12 months to maximize positive outcomes
Conduct prone scapular muscle exercises [15-18 below] with no weight at first; however, as strength improves add light weight (if comfortable)

The following rotator cuff strengthening exercises, which are demonstrated in this video, should be conducted during phase 4 of your rotator cuff rehab:

WARM UP STRETCH – WALL SLIDES
WARM UP STRETCH – EXTERNAL ROTATION
WARM UP STRETCH – CROSS BODY
WARM UP STRETCH – BEHIND BACK
DUMBELL – ELEVATION AND ABDUCTION
DUMBELL – EXTERNAL ROTATION
DUMBBELL – INTERNAL ROTATION
DUMBELL – BENT ROW
DUMBELL – POSTERIOR RAISE
BAND – DIAGONALS
DUMBBELL DIAGONALS
BAND – PUNCHES
BAND – EXTERNAL ROTATION @ 90 DEGREES
BAND – INTERNAL ROTATION @ 90 DEGREES
PRONE ABDUCTION @ 90 DEGREES
PRONE ABDUCTION @ 110 DEGREES
PRONE ABDUCTION @ 90 DEGREES WITH ROTATION
PRONE EXTENSION

Icing is very important after each therapy session, so be sure to place an ice pack or cooling pad on the affected shoulder for 10 minutes to help limit any irritation from exercise. If the affected joint is stiff, try using moist heat for 10 minutes prior to exercise to help loosen things up.

This video should not be used as a substitute for regular physical therapy visits and guidance from your physician. Only progress from one phase to the next based on recommendation from your physician. Most therapy regimens, particularly after rotator cuff repair, are based on a healing timeline. Progressing too quickly, even though it may feel okay at first, may put you at risk for injury. Regular physical therapy visits are valuable for giving you feedback on your progress and helping to ensure you are doing exercises properly. If you develop any questions or concerns regarding your condition while using this video, contact your physician. Best of luck in your recovery from your rotator cuff repair.
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