|
SLING DURATION |
WHEN DO I START PHYSIO? |
WHEN CAN I START DRIVING? |
|
2 weeks. |
You will begin physiotherapy two weeks after your operation. |
In approx 2-4 weeks, when you’re no longer using the sling and have full control of the vehicle. |
Goals
- Reduce pain
- Full shoulder range of movement
- Full passive elbow range of movement
Rehabilitation
- Wean sling at 2 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
|
LIFTING |
SWIMMING |
GOLF |
|
Light lifting from 6 weeks. Avoid heavy until 6 months. |
Breaststroke 4 weeks. Freestyle 6 weeks. |
8 weeks. |
