Therapy goes slower after surgeries where an incision is made through the shoulder muscles. You will begin with passive exercises. In passive exercises, the shoulder joint is moved, but your muscles stay relaxed. Your therapist gently moves your joint and gradually stretches your arm. You may be taught how to do passive exercises at home.
Active therapy starts after four to six weeks.
You might begin with light isometric strengthening exercises. These exercises work the muscles without straining the healing joint. At about six weeks, you will start more active strengthening. These exercises focus on improving strength and control of the rotator cuff muscles and the muscles around the shoulder blade. Your therapist will help you retrain these muscles to keep the ball of the humerus centered in the socket.