The operative procedure is performed to correct recurrent dislocations and will involve soft tissue, and/or bony reconstruction.

Day 1 Post-op

• Polysling with body belt attached for 2-3 weeks.
• Finger, wrist and radio-ulnar and scapular movements.
• Assisted elbow flexion and extension in standing (in sitting with SLAP lesion)
• Neck ROM exercises
• Teach axillary hygiene
• Teach postural awareness

 2-3 Weeks

• Patient attends review and removal of stitches and body belt.
• Gentle pendular exercises into flexion/extension and circumduction only

 
4-6 Weeks

• The sling is removed and the patient begins formal physiotherapy
• Regain scapular and gleno-humeral stability working for shoulder joint control.
• Gradually increase range of movement – do not push external rotation.
• Strengthen the rotator cuff muscles.
• Increase proprioception, using open and closed chain exercise.
• Incorporate core stability work as appropriate
• *No abduction coupled with external rotation until 3 months.

 
Return to Functional Activities

• Driving 8 weeks
• Return to work – Light duties as tolerated after 2-4 weeks. Heavy duties at 3 months
• Swimming
• Breaststroke at 8 weeks
• Golf – 3 months
• No Contact sports for 6-9 months – Contact sport including: horse riding, rugby, football, martial arts, racquet sports, wind surfing, handgliding and rock climbing.