Effect of two rehabilitation protocols on range of motion and healing rates after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: aggressive versus limited early passive exercises

A total of 64 shoulders, that had undergone arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, were randomized to compare the results of an early, aggressive, passive rehabilitation program with an early limited passive rehabilitation program. Results from a 3 month follow-up indicated that the aggressive program resulted in a greater improvement in ROM and in some clinical outcomes compared to the control group. However, these differences were lost at later follow-ups, and the aggressive group indicated a trend towards an increased re-tear rate.