Shoulder Rehabilitation

Arthroscopic Anterior Stabilisation

Back to Shoulder Rehabilitation

SLING DURATION	WHEN DO I START PHYSIO?	WHEN CAN I START DRIVING?
4 Weeks.	You will begin physiotherapy two weeks after your operation.	In approx 4-6 weeks, when you’re no longer using the sling and have full control of the vehicle.

Acute phase (0-4 weeks)

Goals

Reduce surgical repair
Reduce pain
Commence controlled shoulder range of movement Promote improved proprioceptive acuity

Rehabilitation

*Safe zone: aim for passive range of movement to 90° elevation, 45° abduction, 0° external rotation by end of second week
Active assisted/supported range from 2 weeks
No forced movements, no combined abduction/external rotation
Closed kinetic chain/proprioception exercises (ie. with ball)
Cuff exercises within this range of movement zone
Scapular setting exercises
Elbow, wrist, hand exercises

Criteria for progression

Controlled pain
Adequate range of movement (need adequate rotational range of movement before introducing active through range cuff facilitation work above 90°)
Compliance with exercises

Intermediate phase (4-8 weeks)

Goals

Discard use of sling
Restore functional range of movement
Re-educate cuff recruitment and scapular control through range
Enhance proprioception Preserve surgical repair integrity

Rehabilitation

No passive stretching into combined abduction/external rotation
Encourage active movement with good control and without apprehension
Engage cuff & scapular stabilisation
Progress cuff & scapular recruitment through range
Progress kinetic chain integration
Closed kinetic change work
Hydrotherapy permitted

Criteria for progression

Painfree functional range of movement
Good cuff and scapular control through functional range

Late phase (>8 weeks)

Goals

Restore full range of movement
Optimise preparatory and reactive stabilisation
Optimise cuff and scapular control under load
Enhance shoulder power, strength and endurance

Rehabilitation

Regain optimal range of movement into combined positions
Enhance neuromuscular control through range and incorporated with kinetic chain
Ensure high level strengthening and endurance exercises for cuff/scapular musculature through range, particularly risk positions
Preparatory and reactive stabilisation drills in risk positions

Guidelines for return to functional activities

LIFTING	SWIMMING	GOLF
Light lifting at 4 weeks, avoid heavy lifting for 3 months.	Breaststroke 6 weeks, freestyle 12 weeks.	3 – 6 months.

Shoulder Stabilisation Information Sheet

(PDF)

SHOULDER SPECIALIST

Mr. Devinder Garewal

MBBS, BMedSci, FRACS (Orth), FAOrthA

Mr. Devinder Garewal is an orthopaedic shoulder specialist. Devinder completed his medical qualifications from the University of Melbourne and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association.