Degenerative Rotator Cuff Tear Early Exercise Programme
Aim to perform this programme a minimum of once per day unless prescribed otherwise. As with any new exercise, start slowly (repetitions as able) and build up as you are able within the guidelines below.
Pain should not exceed 4/10 whilst completing this exercise programme.
1. Deltoid programme stage 1
- Lay on your back.
- Raise your weak arm to 90 degrees pointing towards the sky, using the stronger arm to assist if necessary. Your elbow should be straight.
- Remove your stronger arm that was being used to assist keeping your weak arm in place.
- Gently move your arm forwards and backwards in a smooth arc.
2. Deltoid programme stage 2
- Lay on your back.
- Raise your weak arm to 90 degrees vertical, using the stronger arm to assist if necessary. Your elbow should be straight.
- Remove your stronger arm that was being used to assist keeping your weak arm in place.
- Gently move your arm in a small circular motion.
3. Deltoid programme stage 3
- Lay on your back.
- Punch towards the sky with your injured arm.
- Use your non-injured arm to assist if needed.
We recommend consulting a musculoskeletal physiotherapist to ensure exercises are best suited to your recovery. If you are carrying out an exercise regime without consulting a healthcare professional, you do so at your own risk. If you have any concerns whilst completing these exercises, please contact a healthcare professional.
More Plans
Once your pain has settled to more manageable levels, you can progress to more challenging exercises that aim to strengthen the muscles around your shoulders, upper-mid back and neck. These may be performed once daily, or every other day, like you would if you were going to a gym or health club.
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The goal of the advanced rehabilitation plan is to continue to build further strength in the muscles around the neck, shoulders and mid-back and develop further control of movement and overhead activity. These exercises, as they are more demanding, should be performed 3-4 times per week, to enable regular rest days.
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