PHYSICAL THERAPY PROTOCOL
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Physical Therapy Protocol
Rehabilitation following diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy or arthroscopic debridement emphasizes early restoration of motion, normalization of shoulder mechanics, progressive strengthening, and rapid return to unrestricted daily activities.
Restore Motion
Restore Function
Strengthening
Rapid Recovery
Important Note
This protocol applies only to isolated diagnostic arthroscopy or arthroscopic debridement. If a rotator cuff repair, labral repair, biceps tenodesis, shoulder replacement, fracture fixation, or other reconstructive procedure was performed, follow the rehabilitation protocol for that procedure instead.
Rehabilitation Philosophy
Because no tendon, labrum, or bone repair requires protection, rehabilitation should focus on restoring motion immediately, minimizing pain and swelling, and returning patients to normal shoulder function as quickly as symptoms allow.
Phase I: Early Motion
Timeframe: 0–2 Weeks
Goals
- Control pain and swelling
- Restore passive and active motion
- Prevent postoperative stiffness
- Normalize scapular mechanics
- Resume light daily activities
Sling
- Sling for comfort only
- Discontinue as soon as tolerated
- Remove frequently for exercises
- Encourage normal arm use
- Avoid heavy lifting during the first several days
Exercises
- Pendulum exercises
- Passive shoulder motion
- Active-assisted shoulder motion
- Active shoulder motion
- Table slides
- Wall walks
- Scapular retraction exercises
- Elbow, wrist, and hand range of motion
Phase II: Functional Recovery
Timeframe: 2–6 Weeks
Goals
- Restore full shoulder motion
- Normalize shoulder mechanics
- Restore functional endurance
- Resume unrestricted daily activities
Exercises
- Pulleys
- Posterior capsule stretching
- Scapular stabilization
- Rotator cuff activation
- Closed-chain stabilization
- Functional movement training
Phase III: Progressive Strengthening
Timeframe: 6+ Weeks
Goals
- Restore normal strength
- Improve endurance
- Return to unrestricted activity
- Optimize shoulder mechanics
Exercises
- Theraband strengthening
- Progressive dumbbell strengthening
- Rotator cuff strengthening
- Deltoid strengthening
- Scapular strengthening
- Sport-specific progression
Return To Activity Guidelines
Desk Work
Often within several days.
Driving
When comfortable and no longer taking narcotic pain medication.
Daily Activities
As tolerated with gradual progression over the first 2–4 weeks.
Golf
Putting and chipping as tolerated. Full swing is often possible by 4–6 weeks.
Weight Training
Usually resumes around 4–6 weeks depending on comfort and strength.
Sports
Return when full motion, strength, and pain-free function have been restored.
Therapist Notes
- Encourage early restoration of full shoulder motion.
- Restore normal scapular mechanics.
- Progress strengthening according to symptoms.
- Avoid prolonged sling use.
- Focus on quality of movement before resistance.
- Notify the office if recovery plateaus or symptoms worsen unexpectedly.
Red Flags
Contact The Office For
- Increasing redness
- Drainage from the incision
- Persistent swelling
- Increasing pain after initial improvement
- Loss of shoulder function
Seek Urgent Care For
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Calf pain or swelling
- Severe uncontrolled pain
Related Resources
Questions About Shoulder Arthroscopy Rehabilitation?
Recovery after isolated shoulder arthroscopy is typically rapid. Early motion, progressive strengthening, and restoration of normal shoulder mechanics allow most patients to return quickly to work, exercise, and recreational activities.
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