PHYSICAL THERAPY PROTOCOL
Latarjet Procedure
Physical Therapy Protocol
Rehabilitation following the Latarjet procedure is designed to protect both the repaired soft tissues and the healing coracoid bone graft while gradually restoring motion, strength, and dynamic shoulder stability.
Protect Bone Graft
Restore Motion
Strengthening
Stable Shoulder
Important Note
This protocol serves as a general guideline. Individual rehabilitation may vary depending on bone quality, graft healing, associated procedures, revision surgery, or surgeon preference. The surgeon's postoperative instructions always take precedence.
Rehabilitation Philosophy
Unlike a soft tissue stabilization procedure alone, the Latarjet relies on healing of a transferred coracoid bone graft as well as restoration of dynamic shoulder stability. Early rehabilitation protects graft healing while preventing unnecessary stiffness. Progression is based on biology—not simply the amount of pain.
Phase I: Protection Phase
Timeframe: 0–6 Weeks
Goals
- Protect bone graft healing
- Protect capsular repair
- Control pain and swelling
- Maintain elbow, wrist, and hand mobility
- Begin protected passive shoulder motion
Sling
- Sling full time except hygiene and therapy
- Sleep in sling
- No lifting
- No supporting body weight
- No sudden shoulder movements
Exercises
- Pendulums
- Passive forward elevation
- Protected passive external rotation
- Elbow, wrist, and hand motion
- Grip strengthening
- Scapular retraction exercises
Avoid
- Aggressive external rotation
- Abduction with external rotation
- Pushing up from a chair
- Heavy lifting
- Forceful stretching
Phase II: Motion Phase
Timeframe: 6–12 Weeks
Goals
- Restore passive and active motion
- Normalize scapular mechanics
- Gradually discontinue sling
- Improve functional arm use
Exercises
- Cane exercises
- Wall walks
- Pulleys
- Active-assisted elevation
- Scapular stabilization
- Gentle stretching
Phase III: Strengthening Phase
Timeframe: 12–20 Weeks
Goals
- Restore rotator cuff strength
- Improve dynamic stability
- Improve endurance
- Normalize shoulder mechanics
Exercises
- Theraband strengthening
- Rotator cuff strengthening
- Scapular strengthening
- Progressive dumbbell strengthening
- Closed-chain stabilization
- Proprioception training
Phase IV: Return To Activity
Timeframe: 20–24+ Weeks
Strength
Restore symmetric strength while maintaining excellent shoulder mechanics.
Function
Progress work-specific and sport-specific activities.
Stability
Achieve reliable dynamic stability before unrestricted activity.
Return To Activity Guidelines
Desk Work
Usually within 1–2 weeks.
Driving
After sling discontinuation and safe vehicle control.
Daily Activities
Progress gradually after the first 6 weeks.
Weight Training
Typically begins around 3 months with gradual progression.
Throwing Program
Often begins around 5–6 months depending on strength and stability.
Contact Sports
Usually around 6 months after confirmation of graft healing and restoration of strength.
Therapist Notes
- Protect the healing coracoid bone graft during the first 6 weeks.
- Avoid excessive external rotation until appropriate healing has occurred.
- Restore motion gradually while maintaining stability.
- Progress strengthening only after adequate graft healing.
- Emphasize rotator cuff endurance and scapular control.
- Notify the office if instability symptoms or unexpected pain develop.
Red Flags
Contact The Office For
- Increasing pain
- Drainage or redness
- Recurrent instability
- 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 Latarjet Rehabilitation?
Successful rehabilitation following the Latarjet procedure depends on protecting bone graft healing while progressively restoring motion, strength, and shoulder stability for long-term function.
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