Shoulder surgery, whether for a rotator cuff repair, labral tear, or instability, is often the first step back toward an active lifestyle. But the real challenge comes afterwards: rehabilitation and the safe return to training.

Rushing recovery can lead to re-injury, while going too slow may cause stiffness and loss of strength. Evidence-based physiotherapy provides the roadmap to strike the right balance.

Why Rehab Matters After Shoulder Surgery

Protects the repair → tissues need time to heal before high loads.
Restores mobility → surgery often leaves the shoulder stiff.
Rebuilds strength → muscles around the shoulder and scapula must gradually return to function.
Prevents compensations → without rehab, other joints (neck, back, elbow) may take over.

Phases of Post-Surgery Shoulder Rehab

⚠️ Timelines vary depending on the surgery and surgeon’s protocol, but the progression usually looks like this:

1. Early Phase (0–6 weeks)

Focus: protection and gentle mobility
Sling use (if prescribed)
Passive or assisted range-of-motion (ROM) exercises
Pain and swelling management

2. Middle Phase (6–12 weeks)

Focus: controlled mobility and light activation
Gradual restoration of ROM
Isometric and light strengthening (rotator cuff, scapula stabilisers)
Core and posture exercises to support shoulder mechanics

3. Advanced Phase (3–6 months)

Focus: progressive strengthening
Functional exercises → push, pull, overhead control
Gradual load progression (resistance bands → weights)
Neuromuscular training for joint stability

4. Return-to-Sport/Training Phase (6+ months)

Sport-specific drills (throwing, lifting, contact preparation)
Plyometric or explosive training if appropriate
Ongoing strengthening for durability and injury prevention

Key Principles for Returning to Training

No pain rule → exercises should be challenging but not painful.
Quality before quantity → correct technique is more important than speed.
Gradual load progression → avoid jumping from rehab bands to heavy weights.
Full ROM + strength symmetry → both sides should be comparable before high-level return.
Listen to your body → soreness is normal, sharp pain is not.

How Physio Supports Your Recovery

A physiotherapist guides you through:

Individualised exercise progression
Manual therapy for stiffness and scar mobility
Movement analysis to prevent overload
Return-to-sport testing to ensure readiness

Shoulder surgery is only the beginning, rehab is where you win back your strength, mobility, and confidence. With structured physiotherapy and gradual progression, you can return to training safely and perform at your best again.

✨ Recovering from shoulder surgery? Book a session with our sports physiotherapists at Renard Clinic to get a tailored plan for your safe return to training.