SPORTS MEDICINE / SHOULDER SERVICE

GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

           Arthroscopic SLAP Repair

John J. Klimkiewicz, MD

Stage I  (0-4 weeks)

A. Shoulder sling:  wear for 4 weeks.  May remove for dressing, hygiene and tabletop use of hand/wrist/elbow.

B. Exercises:  Pendulum (2-3X per day),  Elbow ROM.

Stage II  (4-12 weeks)

A. Start Physical therapy at 4 weeks post-op.

B. P/AAROM/AROM program:  1-2x/day until full active and passive ROM.

Goal:  Full AROM at 10 weeks post-op.

C. Strengthening:  Isotonic exercises

1. Perform once per day, 4 days per week.
2. All exercises pain-free ROM only!
3. Utilize free weights only except theraband with internal rotation by side of body.
4. High repetitions, low resistance.

a. Repetitions:  20-40 before adding/progressing weights.

b. Start against gravity only – progress as tolerated to:

– 2 oz (butter knife)

– 4  oz  (tuna can)

– 8 oz   (soup can)

- 1 lb weight

- 2 lb weight etc

c. Goal:  Thrower/Pitcher:  5-8% body weight times 50 reps.

                   General rehab candidate: 2-3% body weight times 50 reps.

Stage III   (3-6 months)

A. Overhead lifting/traction (pull-ups) as tolerated at 4 months

B. Throwing activity:  start 4 months post-op.  Follow functional progression per IAM protocol.  Full throwing status at 6-8 months.

C. Contact activities:  can start at 4 months post-op