| Sling | When will I go home? | What can I do? | What can’t I do? |
| 4 weeks | You will be discharged on the same day as the operation | Full shoulder range of movement | No forced elbow movements. No lifting |
If biceps tenodesis is performed as part of a rotator cuff repair, follow the rotator cuff repair rehabilitation protocol instead.
Acute phase (0-4 weeks
Goals
- Reduce pain
- Full shoulder range of movement
- Full passive elbow range of movement
Rehabilitation
- Wean sling at 4 weeks
- Passive elbow range of movement exercises without resistance
- Avoid resisted elbow flexion and forced passive extension
- Active shoulder range of movement exercises
- Postural correction
- Scapular setting exercises
Criteria for progression
- Pain control
- Adequate passive elbow range without discomfort
Intermediate phase (4-12 weeks)
Goals
- Full active elbow range of movement
Rehabilitation
- Begin active elbow range of movement
- Passive stretching at end ranges to maintain/increase elbow flexibility
- Resistive biceps strengthening from 6 weeks
- Check scapular control through full shoulder range
- Commence and progress isometric rotator cuff and deltoid strengthening regime with shoulder in neutral
- Hydrotherapy permitted
Criteria for progression
- Adequate active elbow range of movement
Late phase (>12 weeks)
Goals
- Full shoulder & elbow function
- Resistive elbow flexion strength
Rehabilitation
- Elbow strengthening progressed as tolerated from isometric to weights and eccentric exercises
- Progress cuff/deltoid strengthening
- Dynamic scapular stability
Guidelines for return to functional activities
| Driving | Lifting | Swimming | Golf |
| 4-6 weeks | Light lifting from 3 months. Avoid heavy until 6 months. | Breaststroke 4 weeks. Freestyle 6 weeks | 8 weeks |
