Post-surgical care for impingement and rotator cuff tears are similar. General care recommendations include:

• Incisions must be kept dry for two or three days after surgery.
  

• Stitches are usually removed 7 - 10 days after surgery.

• Exercises to regain shoulder motion usually begin with a therapist in the first week after surgery and continue for about 6 weeks.
  

• At 6 weeks, most patients have regained full motion and will continue to regain strength with a home exercise program.
  

• Full recovery time after surgery varies; most patients have greatly improved at 3 months and are close to normal by 6 months.

• Therapy is carefully controlled in the first 6 - 12 weeks while the tendons heal back to the bone.
  
• The first goal is to regain full motion within 3 months after surgery. A therapist will assist in the early stages with gradual recovery of motion.
  
• During the first 6 weeks, there is no active use of the shoulder in order to protect the surgical repair.
  
• Once initial healing is achieved, a progressive stretching and strengthening program should begin.
  
• Full recovery can take more than 6 months. Some patients may require more time to regain muscle strength and complete the healing process.