Rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair: a narrative review

Optimum rehabilitation following Rotator Cuff Repair (RCR) remains a contentious topic. A wide range of often conflicting evidence and opinion exists regarding several aspects of the rehabilitation process. This has resulted in a wide variety of different post-operative protocols and uncertainty regarding the need for immobilisation, initiation of exercises and rehabilitation progression. In this climate of uncertainty, it appears that rehabilitation protocols have remained largely unchanged for over two decades despite the large volume of new evidence. This narrative review examines common assumptions that surround rehabilitation following RCR in the light of contemporary evidence. It is hoped this will aid clinicians when making decisions for this patient group.