PHYSICAL THERAPY PROTOCOL
Bankart Repair
Physical Therapy Protocol
Rehabilitation following arthroscopic Bankart repair is designed to protect the repaired labrum while gradually restoring shoulder motion, strength, dynamic stability, and confidence. Progression should respect soft tissue healing while minimizing postoperative stiffness.
Protect Repair
Restore Motion
Strengthening
Stable Shoulder
Important Note
This protocol is intended as a general rehabilitation guideline. Patients with significant bone loss, remplissage, posterior labral repair, multidirectional instability, revision surgery, or associated procedures may require modifications. The surgeon's postoperative instructions always take precedence.
Rehabilitation Philosophy
The repaired labrum requires time to heal securely back to the glenoid. Early rehabilitation protects the repair while preventing stiffness. Strength and dynamic stability are restored gradually before returning to contact sports or overhead athletics.
Phase I: Protection Phase
Timeframe: 0–6 Weeks
Goals
- Protect the labral repair
- Control pain and swelling
- Prevent postoperative stiffness
- Maintain elbow, wrist, and hand motion
- Begin protected passive motion
Sling
- Sling full time except hygiene and exercises
- Sleep in sling
- No lifting
- No supporting body weight
- Avoid positions stressing the anterior capsule
Exercises
- Pendulums
- Passive forward elevation
- Protected passive external rotation per surgeon guidelines
- Elbow, wrist, and hand motion
- Grip strengthening
- Scapular retraction exercises
Avoid
- Abduction with external rotation
- Forceful external rotation
- Active throwing motions
- Pushing up from a chair
- Heavy lifting
Phase II: Motion Phase
Timeframe: 6–12 Weeks
Goals
- Restore full passive motion
- Begin active-assisted and active motion
- Normalize scapular mechanics
- Gradually discontinue sling
Exercises
- Cane exercises
- Table slides
- Wall walks
- Pulleys
- Scapular stabilization
- Gentle posterior capsule stretching
Phase III: Strengthening Phase
Timeframe: 12–20 Weeks
Goals
- Restore rotator cuff strength
- Improve dynamic stability
- Improve endurance
- Restore normal shoulder mechanics
Exercises
- Theraband strengthening
- Rotator cuff strengthening
- Scapular strengthening
- Closed-chain stabilization
- Proprioception training
- Progressive dumbbell strengthening
Phase IV: Return To Sport
Timeframe: 20–24+ Weeks
Strength
Restore symmetric shoulder strength and endurance.
Function
Progress sport-specific drills and work-specific activities.
Stability
Ensure excellent dynamic shoulder control before unrestricted activity.
Return To Activity Guidelines
Desk Work
Usually 1–2 weeks.
Driving
After sling discontinuation and when safe vehicle control has returned.
Daily Activities
Gradually increase after 6 weeks.
Weight Training
Usually begins around 3 months with gradual progression.
Throwing Program
Typically begins around 5–6 months for appropriate athletes.
Contact Sports
Usually 6 months after surgery once strength, stability, and function have returned.
Therapist Notes
- Protect the anterior labral repair during the first 6 weeks.
- Avoid excessive external rotation early.
- Progress range of motion gradually.
- Emphasize rotator cuff and scapular strengthening.
- Dynamic stabilization is essential before return to athletics.
- Notify the office if instability symptoms recur.
Red Flags
Contact The Office For
- Increasing pain
- Redness or drainage
- Recurrent instability
- Sudden loss of motion
- Loss of shoulder function
Seek Urgent Care For
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Calf pain or swelling
- Severe uncontrolled pain
Related Resources
Questions About Bankart Repair Rehabilitation?
Successful rehabilitation protects the healing labrum while restoring strength and dynamic shoulder stability, allowing a safe return to work, sports, and everyday activities.
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