Rotator Cuff Exercises for Pain Relief | How to Strengthen Rotator Cuff | Phase 2

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 2 program for rotator cuff rehabilitation is to regain full motion of the shoulder in all directions. Remember the following as you engage in Phase 2 rotator cuff exercises:

Engage in no motion behind the back for 8 weeks following surgery
Normal shoulder motion is okay – no hiking the shoulders up to the neck
For exercises, start with table slides, progress to pulleys or stick exercises, and finally engage in active motion (moving the arm on its own)
Work to regain full motion by the end of Phase 2; engage in STRETCHING exercises at 10 weeks following surgery if you feel deficient (stretching exercises should be conducted 3-4 times per day)
Isometrics are okay to start at 10 weeks following surgery
Equipment needed may include a stick or cane, pulley, resistance bands and light dumbbells

The following rotator cuff active motion and gentle stretching exercises, which are demonstrated in this video, should be conducted during phase 2 of your rotator cuff rehab:

table slides – elevation
table slides – abduction
PULLEYS – FORWARD ELEVATION
PULLEYS – ABDUCTION
UPRIGHT STICK ELEVATION
UPRIGHT STICK ABDUCTION
UPRIGHT STICK EXTERNAL ROTATION @ 0 DEG
UPRIGHT STICK INTERNAL ROTATION BEHIND BACK
No moneyS
table top protraction
table top retraction
wall protraction & retraction
wall thumbtack exercise - upward & downward rotation

NOTE: At 10 weeks following surgery, if motion is deficient and shoulder is stiff, start the following stretching exercises. However, these are not to be done before 10 weeks post-op.

StretchING – external roTATION @ waist level
STRETCHING – eXternal rotation @ shoulder level
sTRETCHING – external rotation above shoulder level
sTRETCHING – Internal rotation WITH stick
sTRETCHING – Internal rotation WITH towel

NOTE: At 10 weeks following surgery, if motion is good and the shoulder is comfortable, start the following light strengthening exercises. However, these are not to be done before 10 weeks post-op.

Isometric – forward elevation
Isometric – abduction
Isometric – external rotation

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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