There are several techniques that an orthopedic surgeon can choose to repair a tear. The basic method behind repair tends to involve locating the end of the torn tendon and placing sutures in it. Then using a chisel the surgeon channels holes into the humerus and sutures the end of the torn muscle to the humerus through the drilled holes in the humerus 31 . After surgery the surgeon should determine the limit to the shoulder range of motion before any rehab therapy begins 31 . This is a safe zone so that no stress is placed on the repair sight.
Rehabilitation begins with passive range of motion exercises.
After these can be accomplished with no pain then non-weighted axial rotation exercises can begin. The idea is to do lots of repetitions with no pain. From these exercises the patient can begin the exercise plan for patients who have sustained a rotator cuff injury but do not require surgery utilize. These are explained in the next paragraph. Instead therapy to strengthen the rotator muscles are used.