Weeks 1-2: Rest and Healing
- Sling for comfort.
- Motion:
- Immediate pendulum ROM exercises.
- Assisted bicep curls.
- No overhead motion week one.
- Passive ROM > 90 degrees after week one.
- Strengthening: No resistance exercises.
Weeks 2-6: Early Motion Phase
- Sling for comfort. OK to discontinue completely at end of post-op week four.
- Motion:
- Continue pendulum ROM exercises.
- Begin gentle passive ROM above shoulder level.
- Begin active-assisted ROM progressing to active ROM in all planes. Limited by pain.
- Passive ROM > 90 degrees after week one.
- Strengthening:
- Begin gentle isometric exercises at four weeks.
- Begin gentle Theraband resistive exercises at five weeks.
Weeks 6-12: Strengthening Phase
- Sling: No sling.
- Motion:
- Full motion by 8 weeks.
- Strengthening:
- Progress to higher weights.
- Begin progression to return to sports and full activity starting at 10 weeks.
For a list of exercises, please visit the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) website at:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/shoulder-surgery-exercise-guide/