The rotator cuff, which include the supraspinatous, subscapularis, infraspinatous and teres minor muscles, allow your shoulder a wide range of motion and hold your arm upper-arm bone to your shoulder. After a surgical procedure to your rotator cuff, physical therapy and exercises will help you regain strength and motion to your shoulder joint. While some rotator cuff exercises are commonly done after surgery, you should only do exercises specifically prescribed to you by your doctor or physical therapist.
Pendulum Exercises
One of the first exercises after surgery that your doctor may prescribe is the pendulum exercise. This exercise is done by slightly bending forward at your waist and supporting your weight with your non-surgically repaired arm on a table. Keeping your other arm relaxed and hanging down, gently swing it circles in both directions. Dr. Richard Sandor of the Camino Medical Group recommends doing two sets of 10 repetitions two times each day.
Scapular Squeeze
Another exercise commonly prescribed by Dr. Sandor for rotator cuff rehabilitation is called the "scapular squeeze." Begin this exercise with your arms at your sides and then bending your elbows to 90 degrees. Squeeze your shoulder blades by moving your arms backwards. This exercise can also be done on a rowing machine with limited resistance. This exercise can be completed with two sets of 10 repetitions, two times per day.
External Rotation
As your rotator cuff improves, your doctor may prescribe external rotation exercises. To do this exercise, the American Academy of Family Physicians suggests lying on your side you're your uninjured arm closest to the ground. Place a towel underneath your armpit and stretch this arm above your head. With your injured arm on top of your body, bend your elbow 90 degrees so that your forearm is resting against your chest. Lift your forearm until it is level with the shoulder and lower it slowly. This can be done with a light dumbbell or with no weight, depending on your doctor's instructions.
Other Considerations
Dr. Kevin R. Stone, orthopedic surgeon at The Stone Clinic, warns that you should not lift any objects over five pounds for the first six weeks with your injured arm. He also warns that your physical therapy is specific to you, depending on the procedure done, and not following your doctor's directions can lead to a longer rehabilitation time. As your rotator cuff improves, more aggressive exercises with weights can be done and you can gradually return to normal activity and sports.
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