Physical therapy plays an important role in returning your shoulder and rotator cuff to a functioning level. Exercises concentrate on reducing pain and swelling while also strengthening and stretching your shoulder area. Stage I of physical therapy after a rotator cuff surgery concentrates on preventing muscle atrophy while promoting a healthy healing process. Stage II concentrates on more advanced active movements that encourage stabilization, increased flexibility and strength. Your injury determines how long you stay in each phase, so check with your doctor first.
Squeezing Maneuvers
Stage I of physical therapy after a rotator cuff surgery needs to include exercises to strengthen your grip, according to Dr. Walter Lowe. Use either a tennis ball or exercise putty for this hand-squeezing exercise. Do this exercise while either standing upright or seated in a comfortable position. Bend your surgical arm and place your lower arm onto your thigh. Turn your wrists upward, facing the ceiling. Keep your elbow at your side. Place the item into your surgical hand. Squeeze the item as hard as possible. Hold the squeeze for 10 seconds. Slowly release the squeeze and return your hand to the original position. Relax for 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise 20 times. Do this exercise four times daily.
Swinging Arm
Stage I of physical therapy after a rotator cuff surgery needs to include gentle range of motion exercises known as pendulums. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart. Place your opposite-side hand onto a low table for extra support if needed. Gently bend forward from your waist until your upper body is parallel to the floor. Do not bend your back. Slowly move your upper body to start swinging your arm forward and backward. Do not force the swing or swing to the point of pain. Let your arm that was operated on swing naturally back and forth 25 times. Slowly return to the upright position. Relax for 30 seconds. Repeat this exercise three times throughout the day.
Shoulder Stabilizers
Scapular stabilization exercises can be done during stage II of physical therapy after a rotator cuff surgery. Strengthening your shoulder blade area by doing shoulder shrugs helps. Sit upright in a firm chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor. Slowly lift your shoulders toward your ears. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Slowly lower your shoulders to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Bar Lifts
Stage II of physical therapy after a rotator cuff surgery can use a bar or wand to stretch your shoulder muscles. Lay on your back on a firm surface, such as an exercise mat, to do a wand press. Place a wand or bar into your hands. Place your arms shoulder-width apart. Slowly and gently lift the bar toward the ceiling. Hold this position for 10 seconds. Slowly lower your arms and return to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 15 times. Do this exercise five times daily.
