SPORTS MEDICINE / SHOULDER SERVICE
Arthroscopic Subacromial Decompression
(With or Without Distal Clavicle Excision)
Stage I (0-4 weeks)
4-5 visits in 4 weeks
Patient can wear sling 2-3 days
A. Passive/AAROM (wand exercise) AROM program
B. Rotator cuff free weight exercises 4 days per week
-ALL EXCERCISES PAINFREE ONLY
1. Isotonic exercises as tolerated. Start against gravity without weights and progress to
- 2 oz (butter knife)
- 4 oz. (tuna can)
- 8 oz. (soup can)
- 1lb weight
- 2 lb weight , etc.
2. Repetitions – 25 reps before adding/progressing weights
C. Scapular stabilization exercises
D. Ice following Exercises
E. Scar Mobilization
***GOAL: Full AROM at 4 weeks with no pain. No Inflammation
Stage II (5+ weeks)
2-3 visits over 2 months
A. Progress on rotator cuff weight program independently 4 days per week.
B. Scapular stabilization exercises
C. Goal: 2-3 % ideal body weight for 25 reps and maximum weight by 3 months post-op.
GOALS: Return to Sport or work at 1-3 months post-op without restriction
Return to work per M.D. with restrictions
7 days a weeks for stretching/ice; 4 days/week for strengthening
NO INFLAMMATION
This protocol provides you with general guidelines for the rehabilitation of the arthroscopic subacromial decompression patient. Specific changes may be made by the physician for the appropriate patient and will be specified on the prescription provided for physical therapy. If you have any questions regarding the progress of the patient the physician should be notified at 202-444-8613.