Post-op rehabilitation program for arthroscopic sub-acromial decompression
Problem: impingement syndrome with reduced range of movement and shoulder pain
Aim: to increase range of movement and reduce pain
Important points: wean out of sling by day 5 if possible
Forbidden:
- heavy activities or heavy work before 5 weeks
- no heavy activities or sport above shoulder height and arm pulled back for 3 months (ABER position)
Expectations:
- return to desk jobs at 10 days
- driving from end of week two (if pain and function allows safe driving)
- breaststroke swimming at 3 weeks
- golf and freestyle swimming at 6 weeks
Physiotherapy protocol day 1 onwards:
- Ensure adequate pain relief, neurovascular status normal and no signs of infection
- Hand and elbows exercises
- Pendulums and circles
- Active external rotation
- Shoulder shrugs and scapular exercises
- Begin active assisted movements if possible
Physiotherapy protocol day 7 onwards:
- Progress passive and active range of movement exercises
- Isometric strengthening
- Manual therapy techniques may speed up progression
Physiotherapy protocol day 21 onwards:
- Continue to progress range of movement and strength
- May take up to 3 months to progress through regime