Shoulder Rehabilitation Protocol
Sub-Acromial Decompression

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Please note it can take 9 months following surgery until the pre-operative symptoms have settled!

Phase 1 - First 2 weeks

• Wound care as outlined on the Shoulder Arthroscopy Rehabilitation page
• You have been provided with a sling comfort but try to do without it if you can.
• You can use the arm with no restrictions below shoulder height
• You may actively lift the arm above shoulder level but this will be painful
• Use the good arm to lift the operated arm above shoulder height several times day (passive stretching to prevent stiffness)
• Try to avoid carrying anything greater than 2Kg as this will be painful
• Start the rehabilitation exercises on the instruction sheet as soon as possible.
• Aim to do the exercises 10 times each, 3 times a day.

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
• Increase the passive forward flexion exercise and start abduction exercises (out to the side)
• Aim: Active forward flexion and abduction to horizontal by 6 weeks, passive flexion, abduction and external rotation to normal by 6 weeks.

Phase 3 8-16 weeks

• You will be seen in the clinic at 8 weeks
• You should now start exercises to strengthen the rotator cuff (this may be under the supervision of a physiotherapist)
• If able you can now start to lift the arm above shoulder level
• Aim: Full active forward flexion and abduction by 12 weeks

Phase 4 16+ weeks

• You will be seen in the clinic at 12 weeks
• If your shoulder is becoming stiff you will be referred for physiotherapy
• If you have acheived the goals you may be discharged from clinic. This is rare at this stage
• Note that you may still not be totally pain free for several months