Rotator Cuff Repair Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside

Rehabilitating After Rotator Cuff Repair: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Rotator cuff repair surgery addresses tears in the tendons that stabilise your shoulder joint, helping restore function and reduce pain. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we offer tailored rehabilitation plans, including Clinical Pilates, to guide your recovery and help you regain strength, mobility, and confidence in your shoulder.

Why is Physiotherapy Important After Rotator Cuff Repair?
Physiotherapy plays a critical role in recovery:

• Restoring mobility: Controlled exercises prevent stiffness and improve shoulder range of motion.
• Rebuilding strength: Gradual strengthening of the repaired tendons and surrounding muscles enhances stability.
• Preventing complications: Reduces risks of frozen shoulder, re-injury, and muscle imbalances.
• Facilitating safe progression: Ensures your rehab aligns with your healing phase, protecting the repaired tissue.

What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The first 6 weeks prioritise healing and protection of the repair:

• Immobilisation: A sling is worn to support the shoulder and prevent strain.
• Pain management: Ice packs, prescribed medications, and gentle positioning ease discomfort.
• Passive exercises: A physiotherapist assists with gentle movements to prevent stiffness without stressing the repair.

What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapy approach incorporates multiple techniques:
Manual Therapy

• Scar tissue management: Helps reduce adhesions and maintain tissue flexibility.
• Joint mobilisations: Gentle techniques restore mobility in the shoulder and adjacent joints.
• Soft tissue release: Relieves tension in surrounding muscles compensating for the injured shoulder.

Taping and Bracing

• Kinesiology taping: Supports healing tissues and reduces shoulder strain.
• Sling guidance: Ensures proper usage to protect the repair during the early phase.

Swelling and Pain Management

• Cryotherapy: Reduces inflammation and minimises discomfort.
• Lymphatic drainage massage: Encourages fluid movement to reduce swelling.

Education and Advice

• Activity modifications: Guidance on safe daily activities and avoiding harmful movements.
• Progression planning: Structured advice on when to reintroduce lifting, sports, or work-related tasks.

What Precautions Should Be Taken After Rotator Cuff Repair?

• Avoid lifting or weight-bearing: Refrain from using the affected arm for heavy tasks during early recovery.
• Follow sling guidelines: Wear your sling as instructed to support the repair.
• Avoid overhead movements: Do not lift or reach above shoulder height until cleared by your physiotherapist.
• Gradually progress exercises: Adhere to your physiotherapy plan to ensure safe and effective recovery.

What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery times vary but generally follow these stages:

• 0–6 weeks: Immobilisation with passive range-of-motion exercises.
• 6–12 weeks: Active-assisted and active exercises to restore mobility.
• 3–6 months: Strengthening and functional movement training.
• 6–12 months: Return to full activities, including sports or heavy lifting, with medical clearance.

What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Rotator Cuff Repair?
Key muscle groups targeted during rehabilitation include:

• Rotator cuff muscles: Enhance shoulder stability and control.
• Deltoid: Supports shoulder elevation and functional movement.
• Scapular stabilisers: Maintain proper shoulder blade positioning.
• Biceps and triceps: Assist with functional arm use.

What Exercises Are Part of Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation exercises progress gradually:

• Early stages: Passive pendulum exercises, assisted shoulder flexion, and external rotation.
• Mid-stages: Active-assisted and active range-of-motion exercises, resistance band work.
• Later stages: Functional strengthening, weightlifting, and Clinical Pilates to restore advanced strength and control.

How Does Clinical Pilates Complement Recovery?
Clinical Pilates provides valuable support by focusing on:

• Core stability: Essential for overall shoulder and arm function.
• Controlled movements: Promotes precise, safe recovery motions.
• Progressive strengthening: Builds endurance for daily activities and sports performance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rotator Cuff Repair Rehabilitation
How long after surgery can I move my shoulder?

• Passive movements typically start within the first week, with active motion introduced after 6–8 weeks under supervision.

How painful is recovery from rotator cuff repair?

• Pain levels vary but are generally well managed with proper physiotherapy, icing, and prescribed pain relief.

How to sleep after rotator cuff repair?

• Sleep in a reclined position with your arm supported in a sling or with pillows to reduce strain.

When can I stop wearing my sling?

• Most patients begin transitioning out of the sling after 4–6 weeks, as directed by their surgeon and physiotherapist.

When can I return to sports or heavy lifting?

• Sports and heavy lifting are typically resumed after 6–12 months, depending on recovery progress and medical clearance.

Start Your Recovery Journey Today
Our team is dedicated to supporting your rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair. Contact us to schedule an appointment and begin your personalised recovery plan today!

Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]

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Who to book in with

Bethany Kippen
Physiotherapist.

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Mauricio Bara
Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist.

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