Contents of the physiotherapy

During the first 4-8 weeks after surgery for a rotator cuff rupture, the affected arm must not be loaded and the shoulder must not be actively moved. Nevertheless, it is important to mobilize the shoulder as much as possible so that mobility can be quickly restored and the joint does not stiffen. 1. table slides For this exercise, sit on a chair in front of a table.

Place a sheet of paper on the table. Place the hand of the operated shoulder on the paper and then push the sheet away from you as far as it is painlessly possible. Then pull it back towards you and repeat the whole procedure 15 times.

2. mobilization of the shoulder blade Stand up straight and upright. The arms hang loosely beside the body. Now pull your shoulder blades together without tensing your arms. Hold this position for 2 seconds and then return to the starting position. Perform 2 passes of the exercise with 10 repetitions each.

Aftercare of a surgery

Post-operative treatment for a rotator cuff rupture usually begins within the first 24 hours after surgery. The aim is to restore the shoulder joint to its functional capability as quickly as possible and to support the healing process as much as possible. Initially, the follow-up treatment plan includes therapeutic procedures such as lymph drainage to prevent excessive swelling of the joint, as well as passive exercises in which the operated arm is gently moved by the physiotherapist.

Depending on the severity of the injury and the surgical measures that have become necessary, it is also possible to use a shoulder motor splint, which can be adjusted to the individual patient and then automatically moves the arm in a controlled manner to mobilize the shoulder. Depending on how long the shoulder has to be immobilised, the post-treatment consists mainly of passive exercises, whereby a physiotherapist moves the joint to prevent adhesions and movement restrictions. When the arm is allowed to move again, the active part of the post-treatment begins, which consists mainly of exercises for mobilization, strengthening and stabilization, the intensity of which is increased over time according to the patient’s progress until full load and functionality is achieved again. For detailed information please refer to the article: MTT after a rotator cuff rupture