RACER

The RaCeR or the 'Rehabilitation following rotator cuff repair' study is a pilot study which aims to find out whether it is feasible to conduct a larger trial in the future which will determine what the best approach is for rehabilitation following surgical repair of the rotator cuff.

Disorders of the muscles and tendons of the shoulder (the rotator cuff) are the most common cause of shoulder pain. Injury to the rotator cuff, a tear, for example, can result in significant pain and disability.

The number of operations to repair the torn rotator cuff has increased significantly over the years, and although surgical techniques have advanced over time, rehabilitation following surgery has not. This is problematic because we know rehabilitation after surgery place a key role in achieving good outcomes for the patient.

What we don't know is when rehabilitation after surgery should begin. At present, most patients are advised to rest their arm in a sling for a month to six weeks after the operation. However, evidence suggests that starting rehabilitation earlier (as soon as possible after surgery) may help people return to their usual activities more quickly, which is important for patients.

This is the basis for the RaCeR study.