Rotator Cuff Surgery Rehab

After rotator cuff repair, SLAP repair or shoulder stabilisation, a structured, protocol-based rehab pathway follows over several months. We work in four phases with clear loading stages — until your shoulder carries overhead load again.

Key facts

First appointment within 48 hours
Clinic protocols implemented 1:1
Basic health insurance (with a doctor’s prescription) · accident insurance (UVG) after an accident
Locations in Zurich West and Kloten

Who this rehab is for

After rotator cuff repair (supraspinatus, subscapularis, infraspinatus)
After SLAP repair (labral suture — throwing and racquet sports)
After Bankart stabilisation (after dislocation, anterior labrum)
After reverse shoulder replacement (more complex care)

The rehab phases

Phase 1 — Protection phase

Weeks 0–6: abduction brace, passive movement within protocol-approved angles, no resistance.

Phase 2 — Active mobility

Weeks 6–12: pain-free active movement, scapular control, no resistance against the repaired tendon.

Phase 3 — Strength building

Months 3–6: from isometric to dynamic loading, targeted rotator cuff activation.

Phase 4 — Overhead loading

A shoulder that carries overhead load again — serving, bench press, climbing.

What is different after shoulder surgery

After rotator cuff repair or SLAP repair, the sutured tendon has to heal biologically — this process takes several weeks and cannot be accelerated by therapy. What we do: keep the shoulder mobile during this healing phase, stabilise the scapula and maintain the supporting muscles — all within protocol-approved angles and without resistance on the repaired tendon. Cutting this phase short risks a re-rupture.

The operating clinic’s protocol applies

We work regularly with shoulder surgeons in the region and implement each clinic’s aftercare protocol 1:1. The differences between rotator cuff repair, SLAP repair and Bankart stabilisation are clear — we follow the specific procedure.

What makes MTT different with us

Medical training therapy (MTT) does not happen in a back room but in the main area of our Sport Performance Center — with the same equipment professionals train on. For shoulder surgery rehab this means targeted rotator cuff work on the cable tower with carefully dosed loads, isokinetic strength testing in internal and external rotation, and sport-specific throwing progression for overhead athletes. Your return to sport is based on data. Read more about our treatment methods.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to wear the sling or abduction brace?

After a rotator cuff repair, typically 4–6 weeks; for large tears or a SLAP repair sometimes longer. The brace protects the sutured tendon from uncontrolled pull and is non-negotiable — it is worn strictly according to the clinic protocol.

When can I move the shoulder actively?

Active movement typically starts after week 6, within protocol-approved angles and without external resistance. With small tears, active movement can start earlier; with large tears or a SLAP repair, later. The guidelines come from the clinic protocol.

When can I return to overhead sports?

Full-contact or overhead loading typically after 4–6 months — sometimes later for throwing sports. Clearance is based on clinical tests and side-to-side strength comparisons, not on the calendar.

How does this rehab differ from «normal» shoulder physio?

Post-surgical rehab strictly follows a clinic protocol — the sutured tendon has to heal biologically before it can be loaded. Conventional shoulder physiotherapy (for example for impingement without surgery) has considerably more room in how loading is progressed. We follow the specific surgical procedure.

Does accident insurance (UVG) cover my shoulder surgery rehab?

After a documented sports accident with a shoulder injury, Swiss accident insurance (UVG) covers 100% of the costs. For a degenerative tendon tear without an accident, billing runs through basic health insurance (with a doctor’s prescription).

How is this different from conventional physiotherapy?

Medical training therapy (MTT) provides quantitative load management. For shoulder surgery rehab this means targeted strength building for the rotator cuff and scapular muscles with dosed loads, isokinetic strength testing compared side to side, and sport-specific throwing or striking progression in the Sport Performance Center.

Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.