Dr Michael Chiu - Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair Protocol

Pectoralis Major Tendon Repair Protocol

Michael Chiu, MD

Illinois Bone and Joint Institute

Phone: (847)870-6100

Fax: (847)870-8159

Phase I: 0-4 weeks

Sling Immobilizer: Worn at all times. Sleep with pillow under elbow to support the operative arm

Range of Motion: Supported pendulum exercises under guidance of PT

Therapeutic Exercises: Elbow and wrist active motion (with shoulder in neutral position at the side),

hand exercises, patient may ride stationary bike with operative arm in the sling

Phase II: 4-6 Weeks

Sling Immobilizer: Worn at all times. Sleep with pillow under elbow to support the operative arm

Range of Motion: AAROM in the supine position with wand. Goal: Forward Flexion to 90 degrees

Therapeutic Exercises: Elbow and wrist active motion (with shoulder in neutral position at the side),

hand exercises, shoulder shrugs/scapular retraction without resistance

Phase III: 6-8 Weeks

Sling Immobilizer: May be discontinued

Range of Motion: AROM in the pain free range. No PROM, AAROM (pulleys, supine wand, wall climb)

Goals: Forward Flexion to 120 degrees and Abduction to 90 degrees, ER to tolerance, IR and

Extension (wand behind the back)

Therapeutic Exercises: Elbow and wrist active motion (with shoulder in neutral position at the side),

hand exercises, submaximal isometrics

Phase IV: 8-12 Weeks

Range of Motion: AROM and AAROM in the pain free range. No PROM, Goals: Full ROM

Therapeutic Exercises: Light Theraband (ER, Abduction, Extension), Biceps and Triceps PREs, Prone

Scapular Retraction Exercises (without weights), Wall Push-Ups (no elbow flexion > 90 degrees)

Phase V: 3-6 Months

Range of Motion: Full ROM

Therapeutic Exercises: Light Theraband (ER, Abduction, Extension) with increasing resistance, May

start light weight training at 4.5 months postop (no flies or pull downs), Regular Push-Ups

Return to athletics at 6 months postop

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