Early Physiotherapy vs Usual Care After Rotator Cuff Repair: Systematic Review
Journal: Shoulder & Elbow
Year: 2020
Authors: Mazuquin BF, Wright AC, Russell S, Monga P, Drew S
DOI: 10.1177/1758573220921123
Key Findings
- Early physiotherapy (within 6 weeks) improves range of motion in the short term
- No increased risk of re-tear with early physiotherapy for small to medium tears
- Delayed physiotherapy (after 6 weeks) may be safer for large/massive tears
- Both approaches lead to similar long-term outcomes at 12 months
This systematic review analyzed 12 studies involving 1,039 patients to determine whether early or delayed physiotherapy after rotator cuff repair produces better outcomes.
The review found that initiating physiotherapy within the first 6 weeks after surgery led to improved range of motion in the short term (3 months) compared to delayed protocols, without increasing the risk of re-tear in patients with small to medium-sized tears.
Key Considerations
For patients with large or massive rotator cuff tears, a more conservative approach with delayed active movement may be advisable. The type of repair and tear size should guide rehabilitation protocols.
Bottom Line
Early physiotherapy is safe and effective for most patients after rotator cuff repair. The specific protocol should be tailored to tear size, repair quality, and individual patient factors.