Physiotherapy after shoulder surgery

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Physiotherapy after shoulder surgery aims to relieve pain, regain range of movement, restore muscle strength and return you to normal activities of daily living. What you can do after your surgery depends on what type of operation you have had and how much protection the bony and soft tissues require to allow them to heal. This will vary with each individual. Your progress after surgery and what sort of physiotherapy you have is influenced by the phase of recovery that you are in.

There are three main phases of recovery after surgery, these are:

The protective phase

The intermediate phase

The late phase

The protective phase

The protective phase is necessary in the early stages after surgery to allow the tissues to heal and gain strength. This phase may involve some immobilisation and the wearing of a sling. Some movement of the operated arm may be allowed under controlled conditions and with the guidance of the physiotherapist in order to prevent stiffness.

This phase usually lasts 2-3 weeks.

The intermediate phase

The intermediate phase follows the protective phase and coincides with when healing tissues are becoming stronger. During this phase physiotherapy aims to regain range of movement through controlled movements and exercises.

During this phase you will be able to use your operated arm for more activities of daily living.

The late phase

The late phase places more emphasis on regaining muscle control, strength and endurance as well as continuing to address any ongoing joint stiffness. Exercises and rehabilitation in this phase are often geared more towards preparing the individual for return to more specific sports or work-related activities.

Depending on the level of activity that the individual wishes to return to this phase can continue for six months to a year following some surgery. For other people who just wish to return to non-manual work and light day to day activities, this phase may be much shorter.

Physiotherapy Phases

Physiotherapy Protocol