Patients who have a first dislocation,
and do not develop recurrent instability, will often regain full
motion from a four to six week course of physical therapy.
Patients who do develop recurrent
instability have a longer rehabilitation course and should concentrate
on strengthening the shoulder muscles. Daily exercises in a home
program may be recommended to help prevent instability events.
Operative Recovery
Following either arthroscopic or open operative repair and stabilization:
The patient will usually wear a
sling for the first four to six weeks. This immobilization protects
the repaired labrum while it heals to the glenoid. Until the ligaments
heal, the repair must depend on the sutures used to secure the
labrum.
During this immobilization period,
elbow and wrist motion are maintained with gentle range of motion
exercises.
Gentle isometric (without motion) exercises are started after the firt week and
about 50% motion of the shoulder is allowed. There are specific restrictions for each
repair and you must check with Dr. Tauro as to those that are needed in your case.
Once the initial healing process
is complete, formal physical therapy may begin. Exercises stressing range
of motion are done for approximately eight weeks after surgery,
or until full strength is regained.
More aggressive strengthening will begin at three months after surgery.
Non-contact sports such as golf may resume about four months after surgery.
