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 (0-3 weeks)
Goals
- Pain reduction
- Protect surgical repair
Rehabilitation
- *Safe zone: passive and active assisted range of movement to elevation 45°, abduction 30°, external rotation to neutral
- Closed chain exercises
- No pendular exercises
- Scapula setting exercises
- Elbow, wrist, hand mobilisation exercises
- Do not force or stretch
Criteria for progression
- Pain control
- Adequate range of movement
Intermediate phase (3-6 weeks)
Goals
- Wean sling
- Control pain
- Progress movement
- Regain muscular control
Rehabilitation
- Progress range of movement
- Aim to increase elevation to 90°, abduction 45°, external rotation to 20° by 6 week mark
- Gentle isometric exercises in neutral respecting pain
- Progress to open chain exercises in safe zone respecting pain
- Do not force or stretch (particularly avoiding horizontal extension combined with external rotation)
- Hydrotherapy permitted
Criteria for progression
- Pain control
- Progression in range of movement
Late phase (>6 weeks)
Goals
- Attain functional shoulder range of movement
- Progress muscle strengthening
Rehabilitation
- Progress range of movement to functional ranges
- Progress to open chain exercises in all ranges as tolerated
- Progressive resistance training
- Sports specific rehabilitation
- Avoid shoulder hyperextension (ie. bench press) or high weights for 3 months and until good range and muscle control is restored with your physiotherapist
Guidelines for return to functional activities
LIFTING | SWIMMING | GOLF |
Light lifting from 3 months. Avoid heavy until 6 months. | Breaststroke 6 weeks, freestyle 12 weeks. | 3 – 8 weeks. |
