Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol
Post-op rehab by week: phases, restrictions and milestones, with cited sources and a free printable PDF.
At a glance (Small–medium tear): sling 0–6 wk · PROM from wk 1 · AROM from wk 8 · bands wk 10 · weights wk 14 · strength screen from about 4 mo · return to sport from 6 mo. Criteria-based.
Timeline
Currently showing: Small–medium tear · Version 2026.10
Phase
Motion
Strength
Restrictions
Milestones
Phase 1 · Protect
wk 0–6Goals
Allowed
Avoid
- Shoulder AROM (until wk 8; at least 6 wk in the cited sources[4, 16])
- Lifting, pushing or pulling with the operated arm (until wk 6)[3]
- Pushing up from a chair or taking full body weight on the operated arm[3, 6] (until wk 12; one review's guidelines keep body weight off the hands until wk 20[6])
- Behind-back reach, cross-body (horizontal adduction) stretch, or IR stretch with the arm out to the side (until wk 9)[4, 6]
- Sudden or jerking movements of the operated arm (until wk 18)[3, 6]
- Stretching past 90° elevation or 20° ER at 20° abduction (until wk 2)[4]
- Stretching past 120° elevation or 30° ER at 20° abduction (until wk 6)[4]
Exercises
Pendulums (Codman's)2 × 10 small circles each way, 3×/daySee it in HEP Drop →
Table Slides2 × 10 (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 1See it in HEP Drop →
Standing Cane External Rotation2 × 10, within the ER limit your PT sets (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 1See it in HEP Drop →
Scapular Retraction (Squeezes)2 × 10, 5 s hold (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →
Ball Squeeze (Grip)2 × 15 (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →
Supine Cane Shoulder Flexion2 × 10 (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 4See it in HEP Drop →
Ball Roll on Table (Shoulder Flexion)2 × 10 (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 4See it in HEP Drop →
How protocols differ: Sling time ranges from 2 to 10 wk across 96 online protocols; 78% use 4 or 6 wk, and 6 wk is the most common at every tear size.[1]
Key milestones by week
How this protocol compares with published rotator cuff repair protocols, on a shared week scale (return to sport on a 12-month scale). Criteria-based: advance only when each phase's criteria are met.
Want the patient's dates here? (or weeks post-op).
| Milestone | This protocol | 04812162026 wk Range in published protocols | Published range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sling off | wk 6 | 2–10 wk[1]most 4–6 (6 most common) | |
| Start AROM | wk 8 | wk 4–8 or later[1]most wk 6 (large tears wk 8) | |
| Start resisted work (bands) | wk 10 | wk 4–16[1]most often wk 12 (28%) | |
| 5-lb lifting limit ends | wk 12 | wk 10–24[6, 23, 24, 25]light-load limit usually ends wk 10–12 | |
| Return to sport | from 6 mo | months scale: 0–12 mo | 3–12 mo[1]most 6 mo (small tears 4 mo) |
Range in published protocolsMost commonThis protocol
All phases
Avoid
- Shoulder AROM (until wk 8; at least 6 wk in the cited sources[4, 16])
- Lifting, pushing or pulling with the operated arm (until wk 6)[3]
- Pushing up from a chair or taking full body weight on the operated arm[3, 6] (until wk 12; one review's guidelines keep body weight off the hands until wk 20[6])
- Behind-back reach, cross-body (horizontal adduction) stretch, or IR stretch with the arm out to the side (until wk 9)[4, 6]
- Sudden or jerking movements of the operated arm (until wk 18)[3, 6]
- Stretching past 90° elevation or 20° ER at 20° abduction (until wk 2)[4]
- Stretching past 120° elevation or 30° ER at 20° abduction (until wk 6)[4]
Exercises
Allowed
- AAROM, then AROM from wk 8: lying or short-lever first, then upright[2, 4]
- Submaximal isometrics, pain-free: start near 25% effort[3], no more than 50% in this phase[2]
- Closed-chain stabilization, such as light weight shifts[2]
- From wk 9: hand behind the back for daily tasks, plus gentle behind-back, cross-body and IR stretches, to a mild stretch only[4, 6]
Avoid
- Shoulder AROM (until wk 8; at least 6 wk in the cited sources[4, 16])
- Lifting more than 5 lb[6], or any load above shoulder height, with the operated arm (until wk 12)
- Pushing up from a chair or taking full body weight on the operated arm[3, 6] (until wk 12; one review's guidelines keep body weight off the hands until wk 20[6])
- Behind-back reach, cross-body (horizontal adduction) stretch, or IR stretch with the arm out to the side (until wk 9)[4, 6]
- Sudden or jerking movements of the operated arm (until wk 18)[3, 6]
Exercises
Phase 3 · Strengthen
wk 10–18Starts once the Phase 2 criteria are met, typically wk 10–12. Until wk 12: light bands only, 2–3 lb at most, through a small range of motion.[4]Create HEP for Phase 3 →Avoid
- Lifting more than 5 lb[6], or any load above shoulder height, with the operated arm (until wk 12)
- Pushing up from a chair or taking full body weight on the operated arm[3, 6] (until wk 12; one review's guidelines keep body weight off the hands until wk 20[6])
- Sudden or jerking movements of the operated arm (until wk 18)[3, 6]
- Full-effort (maximal) strength testing (until 9–12 months)[4]
- Heavy overhead lifting (until wk 18)[2]
- Plyometrics (until wk 18)[3]
Exercises
Scaption with Dumbbell3 × 10, 1–2 lb (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 14
Advance to Phase 4 when
- Pain < 2/10 with daily activities and all Phase 3 exercises[4, 5]
- Full, pain-free active ROM[2, 6], equal to the other side[3, 5] (massive tears: within functional limits[6]) (yes/no check)
- ER and IR ≥ 75% of the other side on a submaximal, pain-free hand-held dynamometer screen[4] (about 75% of normal strength is typical by month 4[2])
- No scapular dyskinesis[5] on the scapular dyskinesis test[10], holding no more than 2 lb[4] (yes/no check)
Avoid
- Contact or throwing until cleared by the surgeon
- Full-effort (maximal) strength testing (until 9–12 months)[4]
Exercises
Push-Up Plus3 × 10 (wall, then table; floor from Phase 4)
Plyo Ball Toss3 × 15 (sets/reps: our default)
Interval Throwing Programper program
How published protocols differ
Published protocols differ a lot: a review of 96 online rotator cuff repair protocols found sling time from 2 to 10 weeks, and only 27% addressed biceps tenodesis.[1]
| Decision point | This protocol | Mass General Brigham[23]source ↗ · rev. Jun 2020 · checked Oct 2026 | Lahey[24]source ↗ · Dec 2019 · checked Oct 2026 | Sanford Health[25]source ↗ · rev. Oct 2025 · checked Oct 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sling | 6 wk | 6 wk | 6 wk | 6 wk |
| AROM starts | wk 8 | wk 7–8 | wk 7–9 | wk 8 |
| Resisted cuff work starts | wk 10 (light bands) | wk 13–16 (light elastic elevation from wk 9–10) | wk 7–9 (tubing) | wk 12 (0–light side-lying ER from wk 8) |
| Return to sport | from 6 mo | 4–6 mo (early return phase; individualized) | 6–8 mo | 6–8 mo |
| Biceps tenodesis covered? | Yes (add-on) | Yes | No | Yes |
Different numbers from the surgeon?
Match the surgeon's protocol →Opens HEP Drop · Free during early access
Each value is a fact in our words, linked to its source with the version and the date we checked it. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the institutions listed.
References and basis
Reviewed by a licensed physical therapist (HEP Drop staff)Page reviewed Oct 2026Literature checked through Sep 2026Protocols checked Oct 2026Version 2026.10 · changelogHow we write protocols
What backs each recommendation
Our summary, in our own words, of what each source supports. "Strongest evidence" is the study design as published; a review that pools only cadaver studies is listed as a lab study. "Limited evidence" means no randomized trial or systematic review of patient studies is among that row's sources; we do not grade our own recommendations.
| Recommendation | This protocol | Based on | Strongest evidence | What's uncertain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 · Protect · wk 0–6 | ||||
| Sling wear | wk 0–6 | [13] Jenssen 2018[14] Koh 2014[11] AAOS CPG 2025 | RCT | In small-to-medium tears, a 3-week sling did as well as a 6-week brace[13], and the AAOS guideline finds that immediate sling weaning does not harm outcomes in selected patients[11]. In medium tears, 8 weeks of strict immobilization with no exercise healed no better than 4 weeks and left more patients stiff (38% vs. 18%)[14]; this protocol includes PROM during the sling phase, so that result does not map directly. No sling trial enrolled massive tears. |
| PROM start | from wk 1 | [11] AAOS CPG 2025[12] Saltzman 2017[15] Hu 2023[19] Chang 2015 | Systematic review | Pooled trials show early PROM restores motion sooner, with similar function and retear rates[12, 15], and the AAOS guideline rates early (0–2 wk) and delayed (4–8 wk) mobilization as giving similar outcomes in small-to-medium tears[11]. Reviews still flag a possible higher retear risk with early motion in larger tears[12, 19]. |
| Phase 2 · Active motion · wk 6–10 | ||||
| Submaximal isometrics | from wk 6 | [2] Jung 2018[4] Thigpen 2016 (ASSET)[3] Nikolaidou 2017 | Consensus Limited evidence | None of our sources tests when to start isometrics; one review starts them at wk 5–7[3], and the DVSE consensus allows them, up to 50% effort, in its wk 6–12 phase[2]; the ASSET consensus cautions that maximal isometrics load the repair more than active motion[4]. |
| AROM start | wk 8 | [15] Hu 2023[20] Sheps 2019[16] Kluczynski 2016[11] AAOS CPG 2025 | Systematic review | Trials that allowed active motion in the first weeks found faster motion gains without more retears[15, 20], and the AAOS guideline supports immediate sling weaning in selected patients[11]. A review that pooled early and delayed arms from separate studies linked active motion before wk 6 to more repair defects in some small- and large-tear subgroups, mostly for specific repair methods[16]. This protocol starts AROM at wk 8, after that window. |
| Lifting limit (5 lb) | none in the sling (to wk 6), then up to 5 lb until wk 12 | [6] Ezell 2021[4] Thigpen 2016 (ASSET)[3] Nikolaidou 2017 | Consensus Limited evidence | None of our sources tests a daily-life lifting limit or how long to keep it. One review's guideline appendices use 5 lb for wk 7–12, then 10 lb for wk 13–16, after small-to-medium repairs[6]. The closest lab data come from EMG studies of exercise load: active elevation with 0–1 lb kept supraspinatus activity at 16–29%, while 3–4 lb raised it to 50% or more[4]. |
| Phase 3 · Strengthen · wk 10–18 | ||||
| Resisted cuff work | light bands wk 10, weights wk 14 | [4] Thigpen 2016 (ASSET)[2] Jung 2018[3] Nikolaidou 2017 | Consensus Limited evidence | None of our sources compares start times. The ASSET consensus allows light elastic bands (no more than 2–3 lb, small range) in Phase 2 and starts progressive strengthening at wk 12[4]; the DVSE consensus holds resistance until month 3[2]; online protocols most often start at wk 12 (28% of 96)[1]. |
| Phase 4 · Return to activity · wk 18–26 | ||||
| Return to sport | from 6 mo (strength screen from about 4 mo) | [2] Jung 2018[4] Thigpen 2016 (ASSET)[8] Bravi 2022 | Systematic review | Return-to-play studies rarely set a strength, motion or pain threshold[8]; the ASSET consensus recommends delaying full-effort strength testing to 9–12 months[4]. Large or massive tear protocols range from 3 to 12 months, most often 6 months (9 of 22)[1]. |
| Modifiers | ||||
| Large or massive tear | PROM from wk 3 (pendulums from wk 0); sling, motion, strength, lifting and phase weeks about 2 wk later (tenodesis limits and return to sport unchanged)Tear-size toggle | [19] Chang 2015[12] Saltzman 2017[16] Kluczynski 2016[15] Hu 2023[6] Ezell 2021[11] AAOS CPG 2025 | Systematic review | Pooled RCTs found more retears with early motion once trials limited to small-to-medium tears were removed[19], and reviews of subgroup and lower-level data point the same way[12, 16]; a later pooled analysis found a similar trend (about twice the odds of retear with early passive motion), short of significance[15]. Few trials enrolled large tears. One review's guidelines start PROM at the first PT visit (wk 2–3) after large-tear repairs and hold it until wk 3–4 after massive-tear repairs, with pendulums allowed before that[6]; this page starts PROM at wk 3 for both, still earlier than the AAOS guideline's delayed window (4–8 wk)[11]. The 2-week shift for later milestones is a convention. |
| Biceps tenodesis add-on | no active or resisted elbow flexion or supination, wk 0–6; no resisted curls or lifting with the elbow bent until wk 8Tenodesis toggle | [18] Dekker 2020[21] Kinnard 2024[22] Mazzocca 2005 | Lab study Limited evidence | No trial has compared shorter vs. longer elbow restriction after tenodesis. A randomized trial of cuff repair with tenodesis used no resisted elbow flexion or supination for 6 wk in both arms[17]; it compared tenodesis sites, not rehab timing. Protocols that address tenodesis keep the elbow passive-only for 3–10 wk[1]. Fixation strength comes from time-zero cadaver tests that do not model healing[21, 22]; pooled across 18 such studies, fixation type and location performed about the same[18]. |
Where evidence is limited
- Submaximal isometrics: None of our sources tests when to start isometrics; one review starts them at wk 5–7[3], and the DVSE consensus allows them, up to 50% effort, in its wk 6–12 phase[2]; the ASSET consensus cautions that maximal isometrics load the repair more than active motion[4].
- Lifting limit (5 lb): None of our sources tests a daily-life lifting limit or how long to keep it. One review's guideline appendices use 5 lb for wk 7–12, then 10 lb for wk 13–16, after small-to-medium repairs[6]. The closest lab data come from EMG studies of exercise load: active elevation with 0–1 lb kept supraspinatus activity at 16–29%, while 3–4 lb raised it to 50% or more[4].
- Resisted cuff work: None of our sources compares start times. The ASSET consensus allows light elastic bands (no more than 2–3 lb, small range) in Phase 2 and starts progressive strengthening at wk 12[4]; the DVSE consensus holds resistance until month 3[2]; online protocols most often start at wk 12 (28% of 96)[1].
- Biceps tenodesis add-on: No trial has compared shorter vs. longer elbow restriction after tenodesis. A randomized trial of cuff repair with tenodesis used no resisted elbow flexion or supination for 6 wk in both arms[17]; it compared tenodesis sites, not rehab timing. Protocols that address tenodesis keep the elbow passive-only for 3–10 wk[1]. Fixation strength comes from time-zero cadaver tests that do not model healing[21, 22]; pooled across 18 such studies, fixation type and location performed about the same[18].
Bibliography
- 1.Coda RG, Cheema SG, Hermanns CA, et al. A review of online rehabilitation protocols designated for rotator cuff repairs. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2020;2(3):e277–e288.Protocol survey (96 online protocols) · PubMed 32548593 · PMC7283951 (free full text) · doi:10.1016/j.asmr.2020.03.006 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: How protocols differ · Key milestones: published ranges · Timeline details
- 2.Jung C, Tepohl L, Tholen R, et al. Rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair: a work of the Commission Rehabilitation of the German Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery e. V. (DVSE) in collaboration with the German Association for Physiotherapy (ZVK) e. V., the Association Physical Therapy, Association for Physical Professions (VPT) e. V. and the Section Rehabilitation-Physical Therapy of the German Society for Orthopaedics and Trauma e. V. (DGOU). Obere Extrem. 2018;13(1):45–61.Consensus statement (expert commission) · PubMed 29527239 · PMC5834570 (free full text) · doi:10.1007/s11678-018-0448-2 · CC BY 4.0 · adapted · Used for: Submaximal isometrics · Resisted cuff work · Return to sport · Phase details (goals, allowed, avoid, criteria)
- 3.Nikolaidou O, Migkou S, Karampalis C. Rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair. Open Orthop J. 2017;11:154–162.Narrative review · PubMed 28400883 · PMC5366376 (free full text) · doi:10.2174/1874325001711010154 · CC BY 4.0 · adapted · Used for: Submaximal isometrics · Lifting limit (5 lb) · Resisted cuff work · Phase details (goals, allowed, avoid, criteria)
- 4.Thigpen CA, Shaffer MA, Gaunt BW, et al. The American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists' consensus statement on rehabilitation following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2016;25(4):521–535.Consensus statement (ASSET, tears under 4 cm) · PubMed 26995456 · doi:10.1016/j.jse.2015.12.018 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Submaximal isometrics · Lifting limit (5 lb) · Resisted cuff work · Return to sport · Phase details (goals, allowed, avoid, criteria)
- 5.van der Meijden OA, Westgard P, Chandler Z, et al. Rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: current concepts review and evidence-based guidelines. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2012;7(2):197–218.Narrative review · PubMed 22530194 · PMC3325631 (free full text) · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Advancement criteria
- 6.Ezell DJ, Malcarney HL. Rotator cuff repair rehabilitation considerations and respective guidelines: a narrative review. JSES Rev Rep Tech. 2021;1(3):179–185.Narrative review (with guideline appendices) · PubMed 37588949 · PMC10426574 (free full text) · doi:10.1016/j.xrrt.2021.04.009 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: Lifting limit (5 lb) · Large or massive tear · Phase details (allowed, avoid, criteria) · Key milestones: published ranges · Timeline details
- 7.Kokmeyer D, Dube E, Millett PJ. Prognosis driven rehabilitation after rotator cuff repair surgery. Open Orthop J. 2016;10:339–348.Narrative review · PubMed 27708736 · PMC5041202 (free full text) · doi:10.2174/1874325001610010339 · CC BY-NC 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: Return-to-sport criteria
- 8.Bravi M, Fossati C, Giombini A, et al. Criteria for return-to-play (RTP) after rotator cuff surgery: a systematic review of literature. J Clin Med. 2022;11(8):2244.Systematic review (24 studies) · PubMed 35456339 · PMC9024603 (free full text) · doi:10.3390/jcm11082244 · CC BY 4.0 · cited · Used for: Return to sport · Return-to-sport criteria
- 9.Fares MY, Khachfe HH, Salhab HA, et al. Physical testing in sports rehabilitation: implications on a potential return to sport. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022;4(1):e189–e198.Narrative review · PubMed 35141551 · PMC8811492 (free full text) · doi:10.1016/j.asmr.2021.09.034 · CC BY 4.0 · cited · Used for: Return-to-sport criteria
- 10.Alzahrani WM, Baltow BA, Alanazi ZA, et al. Scapular endurance, dyskinesis, and functional outcomes after rotator cuff repair: a cross-sectional mediation analysis. PLoS One. 2026;21(9):e0357765.Cross-sectional study (n = 110) · PubMed 42743217 · PMC13577524 (free full text) · doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0357765 · CC BY 4.0 · cited · Used for: Scapular dyskinesis check (Phase 3 criteria)
- 11.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of rotator cuff injuries: evidence-based clinical practice guideline. Published online. Aug 18, 2025.Guideline (Strong recommendation on early vs. delayed mobilization in small-to-medium tears; Moderate on immediate sling weaning) · Guideline page (www.aaos.org/rccpg2025) · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Sling wear · PROM start · AROM start · Large or massive tear
- 12.Saltzman BM, Zuke WA, Go B, et al. Does early motion lead to a higher failure rate or better outcomes after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair? A systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2017;26(9):1681–1691.Systematic review (9 meta-analyses) · PubMed 28619382 · doi:10.1016/j.jse.2017.04.004 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: PROM start · Large or massive tear
- 13.Jenssen KK, Lundgreen K, Madsen JE, et al. No functional difference between three and six weeks of immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a prospective randomized controlled non-inferiority trial. Arthroscopy. 2018;34(10):2765–2774.RCT (n = 120, small-to-medium tears) · PubMed 30195953 · doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2018.05.036 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Sling wear
- 14.Koh KH, Lim TK, Shon MS, et al. Effect of immobilization without passive exercise after rotator cuff repair: randomized clinical trial comparing four and eight weeks of immobilization. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2014;96(6):e44.RCT (n = 100, medium tears; no exercise during immobilization) · PubMed 24647511 · doi:10.2106/JBJS.L.01741 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Sling wear
- 15.Hu CW, Tsai SHL, Chen CH, et al. Early versus delayed mobilization for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (small to large sized tear): a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2023;24(1):938.Systematic review (13 RCTs, n = 1,082) · PubMed 38049792 · PMC10694899 (free full text) · doi:10.1186/s12891-023-07075-5 · CC BY 4.0 · cited · Used for: PROM start · AROM start · Large or massive tear
- 16.Kluczynski MA, Isenburg MM, Marzo JM, Bisson LJ. Does early versus delayed active range of motion affect rotator cuff healing after surgical repair? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Sports Med. 2016;44(3):785–791.Systematic review (37 studies, 2,251 repairs; early and delayed arms from different studies) · PubMed 25943112 · doi:10.1177/0363546515582032 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: AROM start · Large or massive tear
- 17.Franceschetti E, Giovannetti de Sanctis E, Palumbo A, et al. The management of the long head of the biceps in rotator cuff repair: a comparative study of high vs. subpectoral tenodesis. J Sport Health Sci. 2023;12(5):613–618.RCT (n = 40, all with cuff repair; compared tenodesis sites) · PubMed 32791203 · PMC10466182 (free full text) · doi:10.1016/j.jshs.2020.08.004 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: Biceps tenodesis add-on
- 18.Dekker TJ, Peebles LA, Preuss FR, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of biceps tenodesis fixation strengths: fixation type and location are biomechanically equivalent. Arthroscopy. 2020;36(12):3081–3091.Lab study (systematic review and meta-analysis of 18 cadaver studies, 347 specimens) · PubMed 32619605 · doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2020.05.055 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Biceps tenodesis add-on
- 19.Chang KV, Hung CY, Han DS, et al. Early versus delayed passive range of motion exercise for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Am J Sports Med. 2015;43(5):1265–1273.Systematic review (6 RCTs, n = 482) · PubMed 25143489 · doi:10.1177/0363546514544698 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: PROM start · Large or massive tear
- 20.Sheps DM, Silveira A, Beaupre L, et al. Early active motion versus sling immobilization after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: a randomized controlled trial. Arthroscopy. 2019;35(3):749–760.e2.RCT (n = 206, tears 1–5 cm) · PubMed 30827428 · doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2018.10.139 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: AROM start
- 21.Kinnard MJ, Tran JD, Voinier SD, et al. All suture biceps tenodesis has greater biomechanical strength than metal button fixation. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2024;6(6):100966.Lab study (cadaver, n = 16) · PubMed 39776499 · PMC11701933 (free full text) · doi:10.1016/j.asmr.2024.100966 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: Biceps tenodesis add-on
- 22.Mazzocca AD, Bicos J, Santangelo S, et al. The biomechanical evaluation of four fixation techniques for proximal biceps tenodesis. Arthroscopy. 2005;21(11):1296–1306.Lab study (cadaver, n = 20) · PubMed 16325079 · doi:10.1016/j.arthro.2005.08.008 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Biceps tenodesis add-on
Published protocols compared (23–25)
Compared, not endorsed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the institutions listed. Versions and checked dates match the How published protocols differ table.
- 23.Massachusetts General Brigham Sports Medicine. Rehabilitation protocol for rotator cuff repair: small to medium sized tears [PDF]. Revised Jun 2020.Published protocol · Protocol PDF (www.massgeneralbrigham.org/content/dam/unified-xwalk/pdf/patient-education/english/rehabilitation-protocol-for-rotator-cuff-tear-small-to-medium-tear.pdf) · checked Oct 2026 · Compared, not endorsed · Used for: How protocols differ · Key milestones: published ranges · Timeline details (lifting, tenodesis)
- 24.Lemos M, Gagnon K, Keen K, Lang E; Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. Rehabilitation protocol: small to moderate rotator cuff repair [PDF]. Version Dec 2019.Published protocol · Protocol PDF (lahey.org/-/media/files/lhmc/orthopedics/shoulder/lhmc-small-moderate-rotator-cuff-repair-protocol.pdf) · Archived copy (web.archive.org/web/20240909090935/https://lahey.org/-/media/files/lhmc/orthopedics/shoulder/lhmc-small-moderate-rotator-cuff-repair-protocol.pdf) · checked Oct 2026 · Compared, not endorsed · Used for: How protocols differ · Key milestones: published ranges · Timeline details (lifting, isometrics)
- 25.Sanford Health. Rotator cuff repair (small to medium) rehabilitation guideline [PDF]. Revised Oct 2025.Published protocol · Protocol PDF (www.sanfordhealth.org/-/media/org/files/medical-professionals/resources-and-education/rotator-cuff-repair-small-to-medium-guideline.pdf) · Archived copy (web.archive.org/web/20260411021032/https://www.sanfordhealth.org/-/media/org/files/medical-professionals/resources-and-education/rotator-cuff-repair-small-to-medium-guideline.pdf) · checked Oct 2026 · Compared, not endorsed · Used for: How protocols differ · Key milestones: published ranges · Timeline details (lifting, tenodesis)
Licenses and adaptation. [2] Jung C, et al. 2018, © The Author(s) 2018. We adapted: phase goals, advancement, discharge and return-to-sport criteria, and exercise progressions. Changes: reworded, condensed, reorganized by post-op week, combined with other sources. [3] Nikolaidou O, et al. 2017, © 2017 Nikolaidou et al. We adapted: Phase 1–2 goals, isometric progression, and advancement and return-to-sport criteria. Changes: reworded, condensed, reorganized by post-op week, combined with other sources. Both are licensed under CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0). No warranties are given by the original authors.
[1] Coda 2020, [6] Ezell 2021, [17] Franceschetti 2023 and [21] Kinnard 2024 are CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 and [7] Kokmeyer 2016 is CC BY-NC 4.0: we summarize their findings in our own words and reproduce no text, tables or figures. [4] Thigpen 2016 (ASSET), [5] van der Meijden 2012, [11] AAOS CPG 2025, [12] Saltzman 2017, [13] Jenssen 2018, [14] Koh 2014, [16] Kluczynski 2016, [18] Dekker 2020, [19] Chang 2015, [20] Sheps 2019 and [22] Mazzocca 2005 are not openly licensed (all rights reserved): we state their findings and numbers in our own words and reproduce no text, tables or figures.
Published protocols [23]–[25] are compared, not endorsed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the institutions listed.
Changelog
| Version | Date | What changed | Type | Recommendations affected | Reviewed by | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026.10 | Oct 2026 | First published version | — | All | Licensed PT | 25 |
Cite this protocolHEP Drop. Rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocol. Version 2026.10. Reviewed Oct 2026. hepdrop.com/p/rcr
For specific clinical claims, cite the original sources above.
Rotator Cuff Repair Protocol · Small–medium tear · Version 2026.10 · hepdrop.com/p/rcr · The operating surgeon's protocol takes precedence.