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Delayed Rehabilitation Produces Better Healing for Larger Rotator Cuff Tears
Full Title
Prospective randomized study of arthroscopic rotator cuff repair using an early versus delayed postoperative physical therapy protocol.
Summary
This randomized controlled trial enrolled 68 patients with full-thickness supraspinatus tears to compare early passive motion versus delayed rehabilitation after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. While both groups showed similar overall outcomes, the delayed rehabilitation group demonstrated significantly better tendon healing rates, particularly for larger tears. The study found that early motion did not improve functional outcomes and that a more conservative approach with delayed movement allowed better tissue repair. These results support the concept that giving the rotator cuff adequate rest after injury or repair promotes better healing than rushing into exercise.