Subscapularis repair
Rehabilitation programme following subscapularis tendon repair, with the arm protected in internal rotation early and external rotation introduced gradually.
Typical timeframe: Return to sport from ~6 months (9 months for throwing)
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Phase 01 · Weeks 0 – 6
0 – 6 weeks after surgery
- Begin passive motion 0 – 90° forward flexion supine, but the arm must be kept internally rotated during these exercises.
- Wear sling when walking or travelling.
- Otherwise remove sling with arm supported on a chair, table or pillow; the hand can be used for eating, computer and paperwork etc.
- Don't move the shoulder too much.
- 3 times a day, wrist and hand exercises with a squeeze ball.
- With the wounds covered by a waterproof dressing, shower with arm resting in triangular sling or supported on the shower soap dish.
- Physiotherapy to teach isometric muscle contraction of deltoid and scapular stabilizers, elbow and hand movement.
Phase 02 · Weeks 6 – 12
6 – 12 weeks after surgery
- No more sling, except if in a rowdy crowd situation.
- Increase forward elevation 0 – 180°, and begin external rotation from against the tummy to 0°.
- No abduction for 4 months until all other movements are full.
Phase 03 · Weeks 12 – 16
12 – 16 weeks after surgery
- Continue stretching of the shoulder, including to full external rotation by 16 weeks — gently to protect the subscap repair.
- Begin formal strengthening of internal and external rotation; retraining of scapulo-thoracic rhythm and proprioception.
- Patient may walk / jog and swim (breaststroke only).
Phase 04 · Weeks 16 – 24
16 – 24 weeks after surgery
- Obtain full range of motion slowly over 24 weeks.
- Sports specific strength and endurance training (tennis overhead serve, freestyle swimming, surfing) when fully rehabilitated with respect to motion, strength and proprioception.
- This usually does not occur until 6 months — 9 months for throwing.
- Patient may feel more comfortable with shoulder taped or strapped for sports.
Last reviewed: 2025-10-15.
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Have questions about your recovery?
Every patient is different. If you would like a tailored plan or need to clarify any of these instructions, book an appointment with the East Coast Orthopaedic Physiotherapy team.
General guide only. These resources are intended as a general guide. Please follow the instructions of your treating surgeon and physiotherapist — your individual recovery plan may differ.