Home vs. Facility-based Physical Therapy

Our systematic search of the literature yielded two quality studies115, 116 providing data comparing the efficacy of a home based exercise program to referral to a facility based rehabilitation program following rotator cuff repair. Both studies reported large loss to follow-up at longer durations (24 and 52 weeks) and found conflicting results among the outcomes reported at shorter durations (6 and 12 weeks). Further, patient compliance was not measured in both studies. Based on the conflicting results and varied outcomes reported, the work group could not recommend for or against a specific post-operative rehabilitation protocol.