(Select to download PDF)
These guidelines form a staged rehabilitation programme. They are general guidelines. Please refer to any specific guidance or instructions in the post-operative notes and seek clarification if there are any concerns.
General principles of Shoulder Rehabilitation:
- Cervical spine, elbow, wrist and hand activity should be maintained throughout rehabilitation.
- Pain control is vital – remember pain inhibits rotator cuff and scapula control.
- Rehabilitation should be tailored to the individual patients’ ability to regain movement and control at the shoulder complex.
- Do not sacrifice quality of movement for range of movement.
- Start early proprioceptive rehabilitation with all surgical patients.
- Throughout the stages ensure optimal postural control, core control and kinetic chain function.
- Consider functional re-education – use of hand and patient specific function (hobbies, activities & sports specific).
- Progression should follow basic principles of rehabilitation, passive, active assisted, active, isometric and resistance training.
- Always consider starting from a variety of positions, short lever and Closed Kinetic Chain (CKC) exercises.
- Functional Milestones, these are minimum guidelines, be guided by the operation notes and the patient’s function; if in doubt liaise with Mr. Packham.
- Consider using the principles of Anterior Deltoid Rehabilitation with patients with underlying/ longstanding rotator cuff dysfunction.
Driving:
- The law states that the patient should be in complete control of the vehicle. It is their responsibility to ensure this and to inform their insurance company about their surgery.