title: The American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists' consensus statement on rehabilitation following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
abstract: This is a consensus statement on rehabilitation developed by the American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists. The purpose of this statement is to aid clinical decision making during the rehabilitation of patients after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The overarching philosophy of rehabilitation is centered on the principle of the gradual application of controlled stresses to the healing rotator cuff repair with consideration of rotator cuff tear size, tissue quality, and patient variables. This statement describes a rehabilitation framework that includes a 2-week period of strict immobilization and a staged introduction of protected, passive range of motion during weeks 2-6 postoperatively, followed by restoration of active range of motion, and then progressive strengthening beginning at postoperative week 12. When appropriate, rehabilitation continues with a functional progression for return to athletic or demanding work activities. This document represents the first consensus rehabilitation statement developed by a multidisciplinary society of international rehabilitation professionals specifically for the postoperative care of patients after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.
authors.affiliation: ATI Physical Therapy, Greenville, SC, USA; Center for Effectiveness in Orthopedic Research, University of South Carolina, Greenville, SC, USA. Electronic address: Charles.thigpen@atipt.com.
authors.forename: Charles A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Thigpen
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Therapies, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, USA.
authors.forename: Michael A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Shaffer
authors.affiliation: Human Performance Rehabilitation Centers at St Francis Rehabilitation Center, Columbus, GA, USA.
authors.forename: Bryce W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Gaunt
authors.affiliation: Good Shepherd Penn Partners, Penn Therapy and Fitness, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Brian G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Leggin
authors.affiliation: Rothman Institute, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
authors.forename: Gerald R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Department of Rehabilitation Services, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Reg B
authors.initials: RB
authors.lastname: Wilcox
mesh_terms: D001182:Arthroscopy / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D017006:Rotator Cuff / Q000601:surgery*; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000601:surgery; D014945:Wound Healing
keywords: Rotator cuff; physical therapy; postoperative rehabilitation; stiffness; tears; therapeutic exercise