Intermediate Shoulder Tendon Repair Rehabilitation
A 6-week intermediate program using wrist splints, ankle braces, and cable machines to aid in the recovery process.
Professional rehabilitation program designed for effective recovery and pain management.
Key facts at a glance
- Body part
- upper-limb · shoulder
- Injury type
- tendon-repair
- Level
- intermediate
- Duration
- 6
- Sessions/week
- 3
- Minutes/session
- 30
- Evidence level
- moderate
- ICD-10
- S42
- Cost tier
- moderate
Recovery phases
Pain at rest < 3/10 on visual analog scale,Glenohumeral joint swelling minimal or resolved,Passive forward flexion to 90 degrees tolerated,Rotator cuff tendon irritability manageable with modalities,Scapular stabilizers showing minimal compensatory patterns,AC joint tenderness decreasing
→ Advance to: Phase 2
Passive forward flexion to 120 degrees achieved,External rotation at 90 degrees abduction to 45 degrees,Glenohumeral translation within safe limits for labral healing,Rotator cuff tendon healing on track without tendonitis flare,Scapular control during passive ROM exercises,Biceps tendon tolerated with gentle active motion
→ Advance to: Phase 3
Active forward flexion to 140 degrees with good scapular rhythm,External rotation at 90 degrees abduction to 60 degrees,Internal rotation to 60 degrees at 90 degrees abduction,Rotator cuff engaging without pain during active-assisted movements,Labral stabilization during arm positioning,Biceps tendon resistance-free at mid-range
→ Advance to: Phase 4
Active forward flexion to 160 degrees with proper scapular upward rotation,External rotation at 90 degrees abduction to 75 degrees,Full internal rotation functional for ADL tasks,Rotator cuff able to initiate anti-gravity movements,Glenohumeral arthrokinematics smooth during active motion,AC joint load-tolerant during light functional tasks
→ Advance to: Phase 5
Full active range of motion achieved in all planes,External rotation strength 4/5 against resistance at 0 degrees abduction,Internal rotation strength 4/5 against resistance,Scapular stabilizers demonstrating proper serratus anterior and lower trapezius activation,Rotator cuff able to sustain submaximal isometrics,Biceps tendon load-tolerant during elbow flexion against resistance
→ Advance to: Phase 6
External rotation strength 4+/5 at 90 degrees abduction,Internal rotation strength 4+/5 at 90 degrees abduction,Rotator cuff and scapular endurance improved,Functional reaching and lifting to shoulder height without pain,Glenohumeral joint proprioception intact,Patient ready for return to intermediate activity
→ Advance to: Discharge or transition to maintenance
Return to activity milestones
Pain-free basic activities of daily living
Week 1No increase in pain at 48-hour follow-up after exercise progression
Light functional activities and conditioning
Week 2Elbow flexion and extension range adequate for ADL completion
Moderate activity and sport-specific conditioning
Week 3Scapulothoracic rhythm normalised: no winging on wall push-up
Full return to sport, occupation, and recreation
Week 6Rotator cuff strength: supraspinatus grade ≥ 4 out of 5 on make test
Precautions
- avoid-overloading
- warm-up-before
Contraindications
- acute-inflammation
- severe-osteoporosis
- severe-pain
Pain management
- Cryotherapy with ice pack to glenohumeral region for 15-20 minutes
- NSAIDs as prescribed for inflammation around AC joint and rotator cuff
- Gentle soft tissue mobilization to periscapular musculature
- Submaximal isometrics for rotator cuff at pain-free angles
- Patient education on activity modification and proper sleeping positioning
Equipment & modalities
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed October 6, 2026. · Read our editorial policy