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Conditions We Treat  /  Shoulder Surgery Rehab

After Surgery

Rehab After Rotator Cuff Repair and Shoulder Surgery in Bakersfield

Shoulder surgery is only half the job. Careful, step-by-step rehab protects the repair while it heals, then brings back motion, strength and the use of your arm.

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Physical therapy is essential after shoulder surgery. After a rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement or stabilization surgery, rehab is carefully staged. Early on it protects the healing tissue, then it restores motion, and later it rebuilds strength. At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, following your surgeon's protocol and precautions.

Does this sound like you?

✓You've had rotator cuff repair, shoulder replacement or other shoulder surgery
✓Your shoulder is stiff and you can't lift your arm overhead yet
✓Reaching behind your back, dressing or washing your hair is still hard
✓You're not sure what's safe to do while the repair heals
✓You have shoulder surgery scheduled and want to prepare
✓Your recovery has stalled

Common shoulder surgeries

  • Rotator cuff repair: reattaching a torn tendon to the bone. The repair needs time to heal, so early rehab is gentle and protected, often with a sling for several weeks.
  • Shoulder replacement (total or reverse): replacing a worn-out joint to relieve pain and restore function.
  • Stabilization or labrum repair: for shoulders that dislocate or feel unstable.

Why the steps matter

Shoulder rehab follows phases set by your surgeon: protection, restoring motion, then strengthening. Moving too hard too early can stress a healing repair, and moving too little can leave the shoulder stiff. Full recovery after rotator cuff repair often takes six months to a year, and steady progress through each phase makes the biggest difference.

What treatment at ARI looks like

1
A one-on-one evaluation

Your first visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We review your surgeon's protocol and precautions, check your motion, pain and swelling, and set goals together.

2
Protect, then restore motion

Gentle, guided movement that respects the healing repair, hands-on care, and help with sling use, sleep positions and daily tasks.

3
Strength and function

Progressive strengthening for the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, then reaching, lifting and the activities you had surgery for.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

When to see a doctor first

Call your surgeon or get medical care promptly if you have:

  • Fever, or redness, warmth, drainage or opening at the incision
  • A sudden increase in pain, or a new pop with loss of motion or strength
  • Numbness, tingling or color change in your hand that doesn't go away
  • Chest pain or sudden shortness of breath: call 911

Why patients choose ARI

Care at ARI is always one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic: 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. Our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Shoulder surgery rehab FAQs

It depends on the surgery and your surgeon's protocol. Many people start within the first week or two with gentle, protected movement. Bring your surgeon's instructions and we'll follow them.
Recovery is gradual. Many people are out of the sling after several weeks, regain much of their motion over the next few months, and keep gaining strength for six months to a year.
Your surgeon sets how long to use the sling to protect the repair. During that time, your therapist guides safe movement so the shoulder doesn't get stiffer than it needs to.
Yes. You can choose an outpatient clinic that is convenient for you. If your surgeon or insurance requires a prescription or referral, we'll help you get what's needed.

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

Sources

  1. The American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Therapists’ consensus statement on rehabilitation following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (consensus statement), via PubMed, 2016.
  2. Rotator Cuff Tears: Surgical Treatment Options. OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
  3. Shoulder Joint Replacement. OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026