Shoulder surgery rehabilitation is the area where following the surgeon's protocol matters most, and where guessing does the most damage. After a rotator cuff repair there is a period during which the repaired tendon is healing to bone and must not be actively loaded, and pushing through that window risks the repair failing. Different operations have very different rules.
So the first thing we ask for is your operation note or protocol. Bring it to the first appointment.
More information
Rotator cuff repair
Typically a period in a sling, then passive movement, then active movement, then strengthening, with each stage released by time and healing rather than by how good the shoulder feels. Full rehabilitation commonly runs six months to a year. Stiffness in the early months is expected and usually resolves.
Shoulder stabilisation
After surgery for recurrent dislocation, the priority is protecting the repair through the healing phase, then rebuilding the control and strength that stop it happening again. Return to contact sport is a criteria based decision taken with your surgeon.
Shoulder replacement
Range of movement first within the limits your surgeon sets, then strength. Expectations depend heavily on the type of replacement and on the state of your rotator cuff, and your surgeon is the right person to set them.
Packages
Because shoulder rehabilitation is long, the package prices usually make sense. Four sessions are £240, eight are £460 and twelve are £670, paid in advance.
When to contact your surgical team
A hot, red, increasingly painful shoulder with fever, a sudden pop with loss of movement you previously had, or new numbness or weakness in the hand all need same day contact with them rather than with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my rehabilitation have to follow a fixed timescale?
What should I bring to my first appointment?
How long is recovery after a rotator cuff repair?
Available Team Members
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