Rotator cuff surgery rehab.
Rotator cuff repair is one of the most time-sensitive surgical recoveries in shoulder rehabilitation. The tendon-to-bone healing window typically 12 weeks dictates every decision we make. Move too fast and you risk re-tear; move too slow and you trade mobility for stiffness. Motion Theory applies strict protocol-adherent care to protect your repair while maximizing long-term shoulder function.
Free — no obligation
Start your shoulder recovery
We call back the same business day, usually within a couple of hours. No referral needed to start.
Who It's For
Patients recovering from rotator cuff repair surgery including partial or full thickness tears, single or multi-tendon repairs, with or without biceps tenodesis. We also treat patients with labral repairs (SLAP), Bankart procedures, shoulder stabilization, acromioplasty, AC joint reconstruction, and total shoulder arthroplasty, across both open and arthroscopic approaches. Commonly referred from the VGH and St. Paul's Hospital orthopaedic corridor.
What We Assess
Your initial assessment confirms your surgical protocol, repair size, and any arthroscopic findings. We review the operative report to identify the repair type, then assess passive range of motion, scapular function, and neuromuscular control. Objective baseline metrics establish precautionary ranges and guide progression at each phase transition, from the immobilization phase through to full overhead return.
Treatment Approach
The first 6 weeks are about protecting the repair: passive and active-assisted range, pendulums, and scapular stabilization. Weeks 6 to 12 introduce active range and early rotator cuff loading with precision. Post-12 weeks, progressive strengthening and sport-specific or occupational loading guide you back to your demands with objective criteria at each transition point.
Recovery Pathway
Protection & Passive Range
Pendulum exercises, passive range of motion, scapular stability work, and pain management within sling-protected protocol.
Active Range & Early Loading
Transition to active-assisted and active motion, early rotator cuff activation within tissue-safe loads.
Strength & Overhead Return
Progressive rotator cuff and scapular strengthening, overhead mechanics, and sport or occupational demand integration.
Clinic Location & Access
Located at 1367 West Broadway in Vancouver, Motion Theory is situated in the Fairview medical corridor, in close proximity to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). We serve patients from Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and the broader Metro Vancouver area.
Common Questions
Why does rotator cuff rehab take so long?
The repaired tendon reattaches to bone through a biological process called tendon-to-bone healing, which takes 10 to 12 weeks before it can tolerate significant load. Rushing this phase risks re-tear, which requires further surgery.
How much range of motion will I regain?
Most patients with isolated repairs regain full range of motion within 6 months. Outcomes depend on repair size, number of tendons involved, and compliance with the rehabilitation protocol.
I had my surgery 3 months ago but feel stuck. Can you help?
Yes. Plateau presentations are common after rotator cuff repairs, especially without structured progressive loading. An objective assessment will identify your current capacity and establish a clear progression pathway.
Do I need a referral to see you post-surgery?
No referral is required to begin physiotherapy. Ideally your surgeon will provide a post-operative protocol, but we can request this directly if needed.
Can physiotherapy prevent re-injury after shoulder surgery?
Yes. The majority of re-tears and re-instabilities following shoulder surgery are associated with inadequate rehabilitation, specifically insufficient progressive loading before return to demand.
Related Services
Begin Your Recovery
Book AssessmentRegistered Clinicians
All practitioners are registered with their respective provincial colleges in British Columbia.
Evidence-Based
Treatment protocols are grounded in current peer-reviewed literature and clinical guidelines.
Direct Billing
Available for ICBC claims and most major extended health benefit providers.