What is the usual response to rehabilitation after rotator cuff surgery?

Very favorable: Most patients do quite well after a rotator cuff repair. Different doctors have different rehab protocols. I for one get patients moving early to help prevent stiffness, but i restrict active motion (can't actively bring your arm over your head) for six weeks while the cuff heals. At the six week point, i advance to ad lib rom and generally at three months patients are good to go and very happy!

Gradual: Increases in overall range of motion at the direction of your therapist. Usually all passive assisted movements. Most surgeons still are reluctant to do much active range of motion before 6 weeks. Early pain is in incisions and then by week 2 starts to ache in the shoulder capsule as you advance your rehab. Stick with it...

Rotator cuff: Active-assisted and passive range of motion exercises are typically started at home at two weeks post-operatively. Six weeks is when formal physical therapy starts with strengthening gradually and continued range of motion exercises. It is painful, but important to stay with it. You're pretty young for a rotator cuff tear. Are you the patient?