Most people with rotator cuff tear can start shoulder range-of-motion exercises within a few days. This will help prevent stiffness and frozen shoulder.

Basic shoulder exercises include:

• While standing next to a wall, walk up the wall with your fingers with your elbow straight.
• Lean over and making circles with the elbow parallel to the ground while you are in the sling.
• The exercises should be performed 2-3 times per day, but not to the point of pain.
• Cold compresses to the shoulder before and after will help reduce pain and swelling.