Rotator cuff surgery is a common procedure for individuals with shoulder injuries, often involving tendon tears. Many active people are eager to resume their routines, and a frequent question concerns the safe return to running. While primarily lower-body focused, running still involves the shoulder. This article guides when and how to safely return to running after rotator cuff repair.
Understanding Rotator Cuff Recovery
Recovery from rotator cuff surgery is a gradual process requiring patience and adherence to a structured rehabilitation program. The primary goal is to allow repaired tendons to heal back to the bone, which takes several months as new tissue forms.
Immediately following surgery, the shoulder is typically immobilized in a sling for four to six weeks to protect the repair and minimize stress. Movement is initially restricted to passive range of motion exercises, where a physical therapist moves the arm without active muscle engagement. As healing progresses, active range of motion exercises are introduced, followed by strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle function and endurance. Full recovery can span six months to a year or longer, depending on tear severity, surgery type, and individual healing rates.
Preparing for Running After Surgery
Considerations for resuming running after rotator cuff surgery extend beyond the lower body. Running involves rhythmic arm swing and requires upper body stability to absorb impact and maintain balance. The forces generated during running, including vibrations and stabilization demands, can influence the healing tissues, even if not directly loading the shoulder like lifting.
A general timeline for returning to running is typically several months post-operation, after significant milestones in shoulder strength and range of motion are achieved. This timeframe is contingent upon the individual’s progress through rehabilitation phases, ensuring the shoulder is adequately prepared. Rushing the process before the shoulder is ready can risk re-injury or hinder optimal healing.
Gradual Return to Running
Once medical clearance is obtained, a progressive approach to reintroducing running is important to ensure the shoulder adapts without complications. Starting with a walking program is recommended, gradually increasing duration and intensity. When transitioning to running, a walk-run program is a common strategy, alternating short intervals of running with periods of walking. This allows the body, including the healing shoulder, to gradually acclimate to the impact and demands.
Monitoring the body’s response is important; any signs of pain or discomfort in the shoulder should prompt a reduction in activity or a temporary pause. Running on softer surfaces, such as a track or treadmill, can help minimize impact during initial stages. As strength improves, gradually increase running distance and speed, typically by no more than 10% per week. Maintaining proper form and avoiding excessive arm swing can help reduce unnecessary stress on the shoulder. Incorporating cross-training activities like cycling or elliptical training on non-running days can help maintain cardiovascular fitness without overloading the shoulder.
The Importance of Rehabilitation
Physical therapy plays a central role in preparing the shoulder for the demands of various activities, including running, following rotator cuff surgery. A structured rehabilitation program restores strength, flexibility, and overall function to the shoulder joint. Targeted exercises improve shoulder strength, stability, and endurance, which are necessary for absorbing impact and maintaining proper form during running.
These exercises are tailored to the individual’s healing progress, ensuring the shoulder gains the necessary capacity to handle increasing loads. Obtaining medical clearance from a surgeon or physical therapist is crucial before attempting to run. They can accurately assess healing progress and readiness based on objective measures of strength, range of motion, and tissue integrity. Continued adherence to prescribed rehabilitation exercises helps maintain shoulder health and prevent future injuries.