18Dec
Criteria-Based Rotator Cuff Rehabilitation: From Tissue Protection to Return to Sport
Rotator cuff rehabilitation has traditionally followed time-based protocols, progressing patients through predefined phases based on weeks post-injury or surgery. However, tendon healing and neuromuscular recovery do not respond to time alone—they respond to load. A criteria-based rehabilitation approach prioritizes measurable clinical milestones to guide progression safely and effectively, particularly in athletic and high-demand populations. This article outlines a phase-wise, criteria-driven framework for rotator cuff rehabilitation, as explained by Dr. Abhivyakti Navgeet (PT). Why a Criteria-Based Approach Matters The rotator cuff functions as a dynamic stabilizer, responsible for centering the humeral …

