When to Test Strength After a Rotator Cuff Repair - #AMR369

·12 min·1 clip

Mike Reinold announces a complete ACL rehab masterclass with Dan Pope and Kevin Coughlin, revealing their proven return-to-sport system.

The episode begins with host Mike Reinold promoting an upcoming ACL rehab masterclass course developed with Dan Pope and Kevin Coughlin. He then introduces the panel from Champion Physical Therapy and Performance, including Brendan Gates, who shares his background as a former student. The main question from listener Holly asks when to test rotator cuff strength with a handheld dynamometer after repair surgery. Dave Tilley starts the discussion by arguing against standardized testing timelines, highlighting the variability in surgical procedures and tissue quality. Lenny Macrina suggests communicating with the surgeon and waiting at least four to six months, noting that tendons take about three months to heal and max effort testing risks anchor failure. Mike Scaduto adds that testing earlier than four months lacks purpose, as patients haven't undergone sufficient strength training, and testing should align with return-to-sport decisions. The panel contrasts this with hamstring strain testing, which can be done earlier. They discuss psychological impacts of testing too early, such as discouraging patients. The conversation touches on surgeon protocols, with some not allowing strengthening until week 12. Mike Reinold summarizes that three months is too early, with four to five months being the earliest for small tears in healthy individuals, but testing is best used for late-phase progression. The episode concludes with a call for listener questions and reviews.

As heard by us

A measured review of when repaired rotator cuff tissue is ready for maximal strength testing.

Rotator cuff repair rehabilitation often comes down to timing: when is handheld dynamometry useful, and when does it ask too much of healing tissue?

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Why you'd press play

Need to know when a repaired rotator cuff is ready for maximal handheld dynamometry?

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