Accelerated Shoulder Post-Operative Guidelines

This guideline is intended to function as a framework for you and your therapist during your post-operative rehabilitation following arthroscopic debridement and biceps tenodesis.  Your progress will depend on the extent of your injuries, any complications, and your commitment to the rehabilitation process.  If you or your therapist need assistance in your rehabilitation progression you should consult with your surgeon.

This protocol is designed for the patient following arthroscopic procedures in the shoulder that do not require motion restriction after surgery. This included biceps tenotomy and open biceps tenodesis, debridement, subacromial decompression and related procedures.

Immediately post operative (week 1):

Manual therapy, codman exercises, ultrasound, and other modalities for fluid mobilization in the shoulder, this will help to decrease the immediate post-operative pain.

ROM as tolerated, often patient is in a sling for comfort only.

Rehabilitation (week 1 and beyond):

Normalize passive and active range of motion. If biceps tenodesis was performed, there should be no resisted motion at the elbow for 6 weeks. Strengthening of the biceps may begin at 6 weeks post-op.

Generalized strengthening of the shoulder may begin once full active range of motion is attained.