Table I.

Postoperative rehabilitation protocol

Day 1 to 3 wk: level 1 exercises

Sling for 3 wk (athletes can wean off sooner under guidance of club therapist)

Teach axillary hygiene

Teach postural awareness and scapular setting

Core stability exercises (as appropriate)

Proprioceptive exercises (minimal weight bearing < 90°)

Active-assisted flexion as comfortable (in “safe zone”)

Active-assisted external rotation as comfortable (in safe zone)

Do not force or stretch

No combined abduction and external rotation

3-6 wk: level 2-3 exercises

Wean off sling

Progress from active-assisted to active ROM as comfortable

Do not force or stretch

No combined abduction and external rotation

6-12 wk: progress level 3+ exercises

Regain scapular and glenohumeral stability working for shoulder joint control rather than range

Gradually increase ROM

Strengthen

Increase proprioception through open and closed chain exercise

Progress core stability exercises

Ensure and treat posterior tightness, if required

Incorporate sports-specific rehabilitation

Plyometrics and perturbation training

ROM, range of movement.