Rehabilitation Protocol for the Shoulder
Acromioclavicular Joint Excision

Phase 1 - First 2 weeks

• Wound care as outlined on the Shoulder Arthroscopy Rehabilitation page
• You havae been provided with a sling for comfort. Do wear it but try to do without it if you can.
• Start to increase the range of motion, starting with "pendular exercises". These are outlined on the on the physio instruction pages.
• You can use the arm freely below shoulder height.
• Avoid arrying heavy weights and lifting the arm above shoulder height as this will cause pain.

Phase 2 2-8 weeks

• You will be seen in the clinic for a wound check at 2 weeks
• The passive range of motion (PROM) of the shoulder will be assessed
• Continue with exercises. At this stage start to work on forward elevation (to the front) and external rotation (to the side)
• Do not bring the arm all the way to the top
• Aim: To bring the arm to horizontal at the side and the front by 2 weeks

Phase 3 8-20 weeks

• You will be seen in the clinic at 8 weeks
• Start working to get the arm all the way to the top of the range
• Aim: To bring the arm almost all the way to the top by 12 weeks

20 weeks

• Clinic review with the same criteria as for 8 weeks
• If full movement has been achieved you can be discharged from the clinic