Exercise treatment for irreparable rotator cuff tears.

It has been stated that the indication for a superior capsular reconstruction is "a massive and irreparable rotator cuff tear involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus with minimal arthritis, intact subscapularis, and a functional deltoid". Is that really the case?

Consider this patient with a chronic cuff tear, 80 degrees of active elevation, and these images showing "a massive and irreparable rotator cuff tear involving the supraspinatus and infraspinatus with minimal arthritis, intact subscapularis, and a functional deltoid".

He was placed on this exercise (see this link)

Two months later he returned with active elevation of 150 degrees, a comfortable shoulder and enthusiasm for continuing his rehab efforts.

Here's another example of the images for a man with a chronic massive cuff tear as shown below.

 In spite of his massive irreparable cuff tear, he regained active elevation of 150 degrees with the simple exercise program

The woman shown in the movie below had no supraspinatus or infraspinatus; her shoulder function was restored by a simple stretching and strengthening program (see this link)

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