Postoperative Rehabilitation: Return to Sport in the Noncompetitive Athlete

Abstract

Rotator cuff disease is frequently tied to tissue degeneration. In some cases, it is not possible to reduce symptoms and regain function without surgical treatment. The main goals of surgical procedures for rotator cuff repair (RCR) are to restore function and reduce pain. The great question regarding rehabilitation refers to the ideal moment to start rehabilitation that should initiate and develop the ROM (range of motion) gain and muscular strengthening of the cuff rotator, without disturbing the healing process. There is no consensus on timing to return to play. Decision-making involves several factors, from the type and extent of the injury, the type of surgery, and the rehabilitation process performed. Brazilian surgeons usually agree that the return to sports should be done after 6 months of surgery. These guidelines serve as a basis for conducting physiotherapy, but the individual characteristics of each patient should be respected, and the program should be personalized.