Clinical Guidelines for CPM following Rotator Cuff Repair: Synchronized or Isolated Protocol

The primary goal of post-surgical rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair is to control pain, protect repaired tissue during the healing process, restore function, improve range-of-motion, restore strength and prevent a recurrence of symptoms.30 During the initial healing phase following surgery, six weeks of passive range of motion is performed to protect the surgical site.16,17,18,23,25,26,28 Active and active-assisted exercise that result in a muscle contraction are not performed during the initial healing stage in order to protect the integrity of the repair. The amount of protection that is needed for healing is determined by the size or quality of the tear and the type of procedure used for the repair. Protecting tissue does not mean avoiding motion. Passive range of motion is utilized to prevent adhesions, prevent the detrimental effects of immobilization, reduce pain, reduce edema, reduce inflammation and stimulate soft tissue healing.1,3,5,9,12,15,16,18,19,25,26 For a growing number of surgeons continuous passive motion (CPM) has become the Gold Standard for passive motion therapy during this six week period.6,9,12,15,16,28 CPM has demonstrated enhanced tendon healing that is statistically superior to intermittent motion and counters the harmful effects of immobilization.4,7,13,29