| A torn rotator cuff, a dislocation, a disorder like a | | | | At this stage the rotator cuff is still weak but has |
| Frozen Shoulder or even a replacement are the | | | | recovered sufficiently enough to withstand arm |
| typical injuries or conditions that require an operation | | | | movements without any further resistance. This |
| followed by a shoulder surgery rehabilitation program. | | | | gives the chance to the 4 muscle and tendons of the |
| The program should be implemented as soon as | | | | cuff to strengthen further and be ready for the third |
| possible after surgery to prevent a relapse of the | | | | phase which is called strengthening phase. As the |
| disorder or future injuries, with the purpose of | | | | name implies, it is now time to start challenging the |
| strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and tendons. | | | | rotator cuff more substantially with the addition of |
| Following arthroscopy, the rehabilitation protocol | | | | resistance in the form of elastic bands or light |
| starts with a passive phase performed by the | | | | weights. |
| physical therapist moving the patient arm. This is to | | | | When the therapist feels the time is right, it is then |
| allow the stressed or injured muscles and tendons to | | | | time for the fourth and final phase which is a |
| recover flexibility sufficiently enough without | | | | consolidation of the preceding phase with ever |
| compromising them, due to their temporary | | | | increasing resistance applied and full recovery of the |
| weakness. At no time the patient should actively | | | | rotator cuff strength and flexibility. Over all it is a |
| perform movements. Only when the physical | | | | process that can last many months. Arthroscopic |
| therapist sees it fit, then the patient can start an | | | | surgery for most disorders is generally avoidable, but |
| active phase consisting of rotational internal and | | | | there are instances such as a tough Adhesive |
| external movements for the rotator cuff to be | | | | Capsulitis not responding to treatment or an injury |
| performed without any resistance but the patient | | | | like a dislocation requiring it. |
| natural arm weight. | | | | |