Table 2 Protocol for surgical treatment

Active motion of elbow, wrist, hand. Passive shoulder motion up to pain threshold. Affected arm in sling for 6 weeks; remove only for personal hygiene.

3 ^rd day postoperatively

Passive motion (including passive exorotation). Submaximal isometric contractions (<30% of voluntary isometric force). Practice ADL* and sleep postures.

2 weeks postoperatively

Outpatient control for wound, neurovascular status, etc. Control of motion and exercises. Continuation of exercises. No combined abduction-exorotation.

6 weeks postoperatively

Outpatient control. Goal: passive motion is the same as preoperative motion. Start guided active motion and expand to active motion. Remove sling. Start rotator cuff rehabilitation. No combined abduction-exorotation.

8 weeks postoperatively

Goal: range of active motion is at least 50% of preoperative.

12 weeks postoperatively

Outpatient control. Goal: active range of motion is the same as preoperative. Start combined abduction-exorotation movement.