Monitoring
With nonoperative management, reasonable follow-up is every 3 months for 1 year, then annually.
With operative intervention, follow-up typically starts at 1-2 weeks with work on passive range of motion (ROM). This is usually under the supervision of a physical therapist. At 6 weeks, work on active ROM can be started. Postoperative regimens vary; some surgeons prefer not to start any motion until 3-4 weeks.
General strengthening can be initiated at 12 weeks, and sport- or activity-specific strengthening can be started at 16-20 weeks.
In one randomized controlled trial, implementing a home-based shoulder muscle strengthening program was no more effective in improving disability and quality of life after rotator cuff repair than usual postoperative instruction.[98]
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