Shoulder Rehabilitation Protocol
SLAP Repair

Phase 1 - First 3 weeks

• Wound care as outlined on the Shoulder Arthroscopy Rehabilitation page
• If you have had debridement (removal of the damaged tissue but no repair) no further rehabilitation is required. A sling will be provided for comfort only.
  

If you have had repair of the SLAP lesion:

• You must keep your immobiliser sling on at this stage
• You can remove the sling for washing as long as you keep your hand in front of your stomach
• You must take the arm out of the sling and gently bend and straighten your elbow to stop it becoming stiff
• Gently lift the affected arm forwards with the good hand several times a day, do not actively lift the arm forwards
• Do not attempt to use the biceps muscle (to lift anything) for the first 3 weeks

Phase 2 3-6 weeks

• You will be seen in the clinic for a wound check at 3 weeks
• You can discard the sling during the day but you should continue to wear it at night
• Start to actively lift the am straight forwards but do not lift it higher than level with the shoulder (horizontal)
• Start to work on lifting the arm out to the side (like a wing) with the palm facing the floor
• You must still not lift anything heavier than 2kg until 6 weeks
• Do not raise the arm above shoulder height until 6 weeks

Phase 3 6-12 weeks

• You should now start with the physiotherapist
• The sling can now be discarded completely
• Start to work on external rotation (elbow in to the side, hand pointing forward, swing the hand out to the side keeping the elbow in)
• Aim: Forward flexion 100% preop, Abduction and external rotation 75% at 12 weeks
• Once this has been achieved strength work can be developed.

Phase 4 12+ weeks

• You will be seen in the clinic at 12 weeks
• At this stage you may start strength work if you have not already done so
• Aim:
• For most lesions: return to throwing by 3-4 months
• For biceps tendon reattachment: return to throwing by 4-6 months