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 (0-2 weeks)
Goals
- Reduce pain
- Initiate passive shoulder range of movement
- Maintain elbow/wrist range of movement
Rehabilitation
- Shoulder passive range of movement exercises within pain/stretch limits
- Elbow/wrist range of movement exercises
- Scapular setting exercises
- Criteria for progression
- Reduction and control of pain
Intermediate phase (2-6 weeks)
Goals
- Reduce pain
- Wean sling by 4 weeks
- Restore shoulder range of movement
- Scapular control through range
Rehabilitation
- Start to wean sling at 4 weeks post op
- Gentle isometric exercises in neutral as pain allows
- Scapular control exercises
- Begin active assisted exercises & progress to active exercises when sling weaned
- Hydrotherapy permitted
Criteria for progression
- Pain controlled
- Adequate shoulder range to start rotator cuff strengthening
Late phase (>6 weeks)
Goals
- Functional shoulder range
- Strengthen cuff
- Scapular control
Rehabilitation
- Progress to full active exercises in all ranges
- Rotator cuff strengthening
- Progress cuff and scapula recruitment and control through range
- Closed chain exercises
- Capsular stretching
- Proprioceptive training
Guidelines for return to functional activities
LIFTING | SWIMMING | GOLF |
Light lifting at 6 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting until fracture healed. | 6 – 8 weeks. | 3 – 6 months. |
