The purpose of this study was to examine the process of early postoperative recovery in patients with rotator cuff tears, comparing the contracted with the non-contracted. Eighty patients with cuff tears underwent surgical intervention (ASD, ARCR, mini-open, and open procedures) in our hospital, from August 2002 to January 2004. Of these, 31 patients (< middle-sized cuff tears) were included in this study: 18 with contracture and 13 without contracture. Prior to operation, manipulation was performed in all patients. The presence of contracture was defined if an apparent improvement in range of motion (ROM) was achieved after manipulation. No additional procedure (arthroscopic capsular release etc.) was needed. ROM, muscle strength (MICROFET®, HOGGAN, USA), visual analogue scale (VAS), and JOA score were measured preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after operation. There was no significant difference between the two groups in patient profile, VAS, JOA score, muscle strength preoperatively and postoperatively. In postoperative course, significant differences were noted in external and internal rotation at 1 month, and elevation at 2 and 3 months. At postoperative 6 months, however, ROM in two groups improved almost equally with no significant difference. We believe that preoperative manipulation is an effective procedure for contracted patients with cuff tears less than middle-size.