1 Duke St Campsie 2194
(02) 97895414 
Phase I (0-6 weeks): Joint protection
- Sling for 6 weeks. May come out for showers and exercise.
- Elbow must be supported by pillow while lying in bed.
- NO active shoulder movement /May actively move hand, wrist and elbow.
- Passive ROM exercise
- Pendulum / Forward flexion 90-120 degrees / External rotation 0-20 degrees.
- ROM limits will be set by your surgeon and will be explained by the physiotherapist.
- The use of ice packs 4-5 times per day for 20mins is recommended for the first 7 days.
Phase II (6-12 weeks): Active ROM and early strengthening
- May wean off sling
- May use shoulder for self-care and light activities.(e.g. wiping bench, cooking, ironing).
- Progress PROM exercises and introduce active exercise (e.g. Pulley, walk up wall, bench polishing).
- Continue to avoid placing your hand behind your back.
- May not lift anything heavier than a cup of coffee.
- Massage and gentle joint mobilisations.
- Progressive strengthening of deltoid as pain allows.
Phase III 12 weeks +
- Progress strengthening to include weight-bearing and shoulder elevation exercises.
- May gradually return to gym, recreational activities (e.g. golf, tennis, gardening) over 6 weeks.
- At 4-6months, patient is able to maintain pain-free shoulder AROM with proper shoulder mechanics.
ROM expectation are typically 80°-120° of elevation, with functional ER of about 30°) IR is more dependent on prosthetic factors such as version and often will have a mechanical block.
Dr. Leonard kuo