See Also:
Rehabilitation Goals
- Protect the surgical repair
- Gradually restore shoulder range of motion (ROM)
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Restore strength and functional use of the arm
- Return to daily and athletic activities safely
Expected Recovery Time
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Sling use | 4–6 weeks |
| Passive range of motion (PROM) | 0–6 weeks |
| Active range of motion (AROM) | 6–10 weeks |
| Light strengthening | 10–12 weeks |
| Return to daily activities | 12–16 weeks |
| Return to sports/heavy lifting | 5–6 months |
Phase 1: Early Post-op (0–2 weeks)
Goals:
- Protect the repair
- Manage pain and swelling
- Prevent stiffness in adjacent joints
Instructions:
- Wear the sling at all times, including during sleep, unless otherwise advised.
- Apply ice for 15–20 minutes several times a day to manage pain and swelling.
- Keep the incision clean and dry. Do not submerge in water.
- Begin prescribed hand, wrist, and elbow movements immediately to prevent stiffness.
Exercises:
- Hand squeezes with a soft ball (10 reps, 3–5 times/day)
- Wrist flexion/extension and elbow range of motion (3 sets of 10)
- Shoulder blade pinches (scapular retractions) without moving the shoulder
- Pendulum exercises (small, passive circular arm motions)
Phase 2: Passive Range of Motion (2–6 weeks)
Goals:
- Continue protecting the repair
- Maintain full passive motion without straining the shoulder
- Reduce pain and inflammation
Instructions:
- Continue sling use until cleared by the surgeon
- Avoid active shoulder use
- Ice as needed for comfort
Exercises:
- Supine passive forward elevation (with assistance)
- External rotation with a stick or therapist
- Table slides or wall crawls (passive, not active reaching)
- Continue elbow/wrist/hand ROM
Phase 3: Active Range of Motion (6–10 weeks)
Goals:
- Gradually regain active shoulder movement
- Normalize shoulder mechanics
- Avoid excessive strain on the healing tendon
Instructions:
- Discontinue sling use
- Avoid lifting, pushing, or pulling heavy objects
- No sudden or jerky arm movements
Exercises:
- Active-assisted ROM progressing to active ROM (e.g., pulleys, wand exercises)
- Wall climbing (forward and lateral)
- Shoulder isometrics (if cleared)
- Scapular stabilization exercises
Phase 4: Strengthening (10–16 weeks)
Goals:
- Improve shoulder strength and endurance
- Enhance scapular and rotator cuff control
- Progress toward full functional use
Instructions:
- Use light resistance only, such as resistance bands or light weights
- Progress slowly and under supervision if possible
Exercises:
- Theraband external/internal rotation
- Theraband rows
- Biceps curls and triceps extensions
- Prone horizontal abduction and scapular retraction
Phase 5: Return to Activity (4–6 months)
Goals:
- Restore full shoulder strength and motion
- Return to work, sport, or other functional activities safely
Instructions:
- Resume sport-specific or work-specific tasks under guidance
- Ensure proper warm-up and post-activity stretches
Exercises:
- Advanced resistance training
- Plyometrics (e.g., wall throws, rebounder)
- Functional drills (based on lifestyle/sport)
- Stretching to maintain full ROM
When to Contact Your Surgeon
- Increased redness, swelling, or warmth around the incision
- Fever over 38°C
- Sudden increase in pain or loss of shoulder motion
- Clicking, catching, or instability in the shoulder
- Signs of infection (drainage, foul odor)
Disclaimer
This is a general guideline. Your physiotherapist or Dr Lambers may adjust the protocol based on your specific condition and progress.