After Rotator Cuff Repair in China: What Your Physiotherapist Needs

Start with the operation itself, not the discharge summary

A discharge summary often says 'rotator cuff repair' and little else. That is not enough for a physiotherapist taking over your rehabilitation. Rotator cuff repair means the torn tendon was reattached to bone, but how it was reattached and how secure it is expected to be varies between operations. Your physiotherapist needs to know what was actually done, because that shapes what they are willing to ask of the repair in the early weeks.

Ask the hospital in China for the full operation note, not only the discharge letter. If it is in Chinese, ask whether an English translation can be provided or arranged. The key details are the tendons involved, the size and pattern of the tear, the quality of the tendon tissue, whether the repair was a single-row or double-row construct, whether any additional procedure was performed (for example a biceps procedure or acromioplasty), and any anchors or grafts used. These are not administrative details; they are the technical basis for rehabilitation decisions.

Also ask for the arthroscopy images or video if they exist. Some surgeons record the procedure. Images can help a receiving clinician understand the repair without guessing from a one-line summary.

• Full operation note, not just the discharge summary
• Tendons repaired and tear size/pattern
• Tendon quality and repair construct (single-row, double-row, augmentation)
• Additional procedures performed at the same time
• Anchors, grafts or devices used
• Arthroscopy images or video, if available

The restrictions and instructions that were actually given

Your physiotherapist needs the specific restrictions your surgeon in China set after your operation, not a generic protocol from a textbook or a website. Restrictions may cover sling use, sleeping position, how much you may move the shoulder, and what you must avoid. These instructions belong to your operation and your surgeon's judgement, and they should be written down and dated.

Ask for the rehabilitation instructions in writing before you leave the hospital, and ask who wrote them. If the instructions were given verbally, ask for them to be confirmed in the discharge documents. If there is a language gap, ask whether the hospital can provide an English version or whether an interpreter can go through them with you. Do not rely on your memory of a conversation in a busy ward.

Your physiotherapist will also want to know what rehabilitation you have already done since the operation: what movements you were shown, how often, and whether you had any problems. This is not a test of whether you did it correctly. It is information that helps them judge where to start.

• Written, dated restrictions from the operating surgeon
• Sling instructions and any position limits
• Movements permitted and movements to avoid
• Any rehabilitation already performed since surgery
• Who wrote the instructions and how to contact them

Unresolved results and pending information

Some results may not be ready when you leave China: a follow-up scan, a pathology report if tissue was sent, or a review appointment. Your physiotherapist needs to know what is still pending and what it might change. If a follow-up scan is planned, they need to know when it is expected and who will review it.

Do not wait for every result before starting rehabilitation if your surgeon has already given instructions. Instead, tell your physiotherapist what is outstanding and ask the Chinese hospital to send results directly to them when available. A clear list of pending items prevents your physiotherapist from assuming the record is complete when it is not.

If you are unsure whether a result is pending, ask the hospital for a written list of outstanding investigations and follow-up appointments before discharge. This is a reasonable request and helps both you and the receiving clinician.

• Pending imaging, pathology or blood results
• Expected timing and who will review them
• Follow-up appointments still scheduled in China
• Permission for results to be sent to your physiotherapist
• A written list of outstanding items before discharge

Who accepts the handover, and how

Your physiotherapist decides whether they can accept your rehabilitation. They are not obliged to follow another clinician's plan without question, and they may have their own assessment process. Your job is to give them the information they need and to ask them directly whether they are willing to take over.

Ask your physiotherapist what they need from the Chinese hospital to accept the handover. Common requests include the operation note, the written restrictions, imaging, and a contact name and email for the surgical team. If they want to speak to your surgeon, ask the hospital whether a call or written communication can be arranged. This is a coordination question, not a clinical one, and it is reasonable to ask.

If your physiotherapist has concerns about the information provided, ask them what specific document or clarification would resolve it. Then request that from the Chinese hospital. Do not assume that a brief email summary will be enough for them to take clinical responsibility.

• Ask your physiotherapist what they need to accept the handover
• Operation note, restrictions, imaging and a contact name
• Whether they want to communicate with the surgical team
• What specific clarification would resolve their concerns
• Confirm in writing that they have accepted the handover

Communication and responsibilities after you leave China

Once you leave China, communication between your physiotherapist and the surgical team may be slow or difficult. Agree in advance who will contact whom, about what, and through which channel. If the hospital in China has an international office or a named coordinator, ask whether they can act as a contact point for clinical questions after discharge.

Clarify responsibilities. The Chinese surgical team remains responsible for the operation and for any surgical follow-up they have agreed to provide. Your physiotherapist is responsible for the rehabilitation they provide. If a question arises that your physiotherapist cannot answer, they need a route to ask the surgical team. If the surgical team cannot be reached, your physiotherapist may need to make a judgement based on the information available, and they should tell you if that is the case.

Keep your own copy of all records, including the operation note, restrictions, imaging and correspondence. If you move between clinicians, you will need to provide them again. A simple folder, paper or digital, prevents gaps.

• Agree who contacts whom and through which channel
• Ask whether the hospital has an international office or coordinator
• Clarify which team is responsible for which part of your care
• Keep your own complete copy of all records
• Ask your physiotherapist to tell you if they are working without full information

Rotator cuff repair in China

What to prepare before you leave the hospital

Before you leave the hospital in China, ask for a handover pack. This is not a standard document, so you may need to request each item individually. Ask for the operation note, the written rehabilitation restrictions, any imaging or arthroscopy images, a list of pending results, and the name and contact details of a clinician who can answer questions after discharge.

If you are working with a coordination service, ask them what they can help you obtain and what remains your responsibility. A coordination service can help request documents and arrange communication, but it does not decide clinical suitability or replace the treating team's judgement. The hospital decides what it will provide and whether it will communicate with a clinician abroad.

When you first meet your physiotherapist, bring the handover pack and be ready to explain what you understand about your operation and restrictions. Ask them what else they need. If something is missing, contact the Chinese hospital as soon as possible rather than waiting until your next appointment.

• Operation note and written restrictions
• Imaging and arthroscopy images if available
• List of pending results and follow-up appointments
• Name and contact details for post-discharge questions
• Your own copy of everything