Move Confidently

What if rotator cuff repair patients could move sooner after surgery with confidence their repair will heal?​
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*Patients should always follow guidance from their physician on appropriate rehab protocol.

Early Mobility Advantage

Superior range of motion 14

Reduced shoulder stiffness 14

Faster return to activity 15

Typical Tendon SeamTM Patients

See the difference

Traditional Repair

6 weeks

2.5 Weeks

Tendon Seam™ patients prescribed to end sling use “as-tolerated” reported a median duration of 2.5 weeks.12

Stories from the Clinic

Over 1000 Patients treated!

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Patient Experiences

Patients that have received both a traditional repair and the Integrity Orthopaedics Repair share their experience.

I can’t tell you that I even knew the nerve block went away”

– Mr. Peel

I would say I’m at least a month, a month and a half, ahead on this one…”

– Mr. PIZZUTTI

What does that mean for patients?

After rotator cuff repair surgery, wearing a sling is standard practice. The sling immobilizes the shoulder, protecting the newly repaired tendon as it begins to heal. Traditionally, patients have been advised to wear a sling for 4-6 weeks after surgery. However, recent advancements and research suggest that reducing sling time might offer benefits for some patients, helping to enhance recovery while minimizing discomfort.

Reducing the amount of time spent in a sling after surgery is based on the idea that early, controlled movement of the shoulder can:

  • Promote Healing: Gentle movement can stimulate blood flow to the shoulder, which helps nourish the healing tendon and surrounding tissues.
  • Prevent Stiffness: Long periods of immobilization can lead to shoulder stiffness, making it harder to regain full range of motion. Early movement may help prevent this issue.
  • Reduce Muscle Loss: Starting physical therapy sooner can help maintain muscle strength around the shoulder, which supports the healing process and aids in quicker recovery.

For many patients, reducing sling time can have several positive impacts on the recovery experience:

  1. Faster Return to Daily Activities: With less time spent immobilized, patients may be able to resume light daily activities, such as dressing or eating, sooner. This can improve overall quality of life during recovery.
  2. Improved Shoulder Mobility: Early movement can help patients maintain flexibility in the shoulder joint, making it easier to regain full range of motion during rehabilitation.
  3. Less Discomfort: Being in a sling for a long time can be uncomfortable and may contribute to neck or back pain. Reducing sling time can alleviate some of these issues.
  4. Enhanced Recovery: Early, guided exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist can lead to a more successful overall recovery, with better long-term shoulder function.

While reduced sling time can offer significant benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. The decision depends on several factors, including:

  • The Type and Severity of the Tear: Some tears may still require longer immobilization to ensure proper healing.
  • Overall Health: Patients with certain health conditions or those who are older may need a more cautious approach.
  • Surgeon’s Expertise: The recommendation for reduced sling time should come from a surgeon experienced in this approach and comfortable with its application based on the patient’s specific case.

If surgeons recommend a reduced sling time approach, the recovery plan may look different than a traditional recovery. Here’s what can be expected:

  • Early Physical Therapy: Patients might start physical therapy sooner, with a focus on gentle, passive movements of the shoulder. These exercises are designed to promote healing without stressing the repaired tendon.
  • Gradual Increase in Activity: As the shoulder heals, patients will gradually increase their range of motion and start strengthening exercises, tailored to their specific needs.
After rotator cuff repair surgery, wearing a sling is standard practice. The sling immobilizes the shoulder, protecting the newly repaired tendon as it begins to heal. Traditionally, patients have been advised to wear a sling for 4-6 weeks after surgery. However, recent advancements and research suggest that reducing sling time might offer benefits for some patients, helping to enhance recovery while minimizing discomfort.

Reducing the amount of time spent in a sling after surgery is based on the idea that early, controlled movement of the shoulder can:

  • Promote Healing: Gentle movement can stimulate blood flow to the shoulder, which helps nourish the healing tendon and surrounding tissues.
  • Prevent Stiffness: Long periods of immobilization can lead to shoulder stiffness, making it harder to regain full range of motion. Early movement may help prevent this issue.
  • Reduce Muscle Loss: Starting physical therapy sooner can help maintain muscle strength around the shoulder, which supports the healing process and aids in quicker recovery.

For many patients, reducing sling time can have several positive impacts on the recovery experience:

  1. Faster Return to Daily Activities: With less time spent immobilized, patients may be able to resume light daily activities, such as dressing or eating, sooner. This can improve overall quality of life during recovery.
  2. Improved Shoulder Mobility: Early movement can help patients maintain flexibility in the shoulder joint, making it easier to regain full range of motion during rehabilitation.
  3. Less Discomfort: Being in a sling for a long time can be uncomfortable and may contribute to neck or back pain. Reducing sling time can alleviate some of these issues.
  4. Enhanced Recovery: Early, guided exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist can lead to a more successful overall recovery, with better long-term shoulder function.

While reduced sling time can offer significant benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. The decision depends on several factors, including:

  • The Type and Severity of the Tear: Some tears may still require longer immobilization to ensure proper healing.
  • Overall Health: Patients with certain health conditions or those who are older may need a more cautious approach.
  • Surgeon’s Expertise: The recommendation for reduced sling time should come from a surgeon experienced in this approach and comfortable with its application based on the patient’s specific case.

If surgeons recommend a reduced sling time approach, the recovery plan may look different than a traditional recovery. Here’s what can be expected:

  • Early Physical Therapy: Patients might start physical therapy sooner, with a focus on gentle, passive movements of the shoulder. These exercises are designed to promote healing without stressing the repaired tendon.
  • Gradual Increase in Activity: As the shoulder heals, patients will gradually increase their range of motion and start strengthening exercises, tailored to their specific needs.

After rotator cuff repair surgery, wearing a sling is standard practice. The sling immobilizes the shoulder, protecting the newly repaired tendon as it begins to heal. Traditionally, patients have been advised to wear a sling for 4-6 weeks after surgery. However, recent advancements and research suggest that reducing sling time might offer benefits for some patients, helping to enhance recovery while minimizing discomfort.

Reducing the amount of time spent in a sling after surgery is based on the idea that early, controlled movement of the shoulder can:

  • Promote Healing: Gentle movement can stimulate blood flow to the shoulder, which helps nourish the healing tendon and surrounding tissues.
  • Prevent Stiffness: Long periods of immobilization can lead to shoulder stiffness, making it harder to regain full range of motion. Early movement may help prevent this issue.
  • Reduce Muscle Loss: Starting physical therapy sooner can help maintain muscle strength around the shoulder, which supports the healing process and aids in quicker recovery.

For many patients, reducing sling time can have several positive impacts on the recovery experience:

  1. Faster Return to Daily Activities: With less time spent immobilized, patients may be able to resume light daily activities, such as dressing or eating, sooner. This can improve overall quality of life during recovery.
  2. Improved Shoulder Mobility: Early movement can help patients maintain flexibility in the shoulder joint, making it easier to regain full range of motion during rehabilitation. (cite)
  3. Less Discomfort: Being in a sling for a long time can be uncomfortable and may contribute to neck or back pain. Reducing sling time can alleviate some of these issues.
  4. Enhanced Recovery: Early, guided exercises under the supervision of a physical therapist can lead to a more successful overall recovery, with better long-term shoulder function. (cite)

If surgeons recommend a reduced sling time approach, the recovery plan may look different than a traditional recovery. Here’s what can be expected:

  • Early Physical Therapy: Patients might start physical therapy sooner, with a focus on gentle, passive movements of the shoulder. These exercises are designed to promote healing without stressing the repaired tendon.
  • Gradual Increase in Activity: As the shoulder heals, patients will gradually increase their range of motion and start strengthening exercises, tailored to their specific needs.

While reduced sling time can offer significant benefits, it’s not suitable for everyone. The decision depends on several factors, including:

  • The Type and Severity of the Tear: Some tears may still require longer immobilization to ensure proper healing.
  • Overall Health: Patients with certain health conditions or those who are older may need a more cautious approach.
  • Surgeon’s Expertise: The recommendation for reduced sling time should come from a surgeon experienced in this approach and comfortable with its application based on the patient’s specific case.
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