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781-429-7700 (P)
781-429-7701 (F)
team@ortho.boston
Posterior Labral Repair Protocol
Keys to a Successful Outcome
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Avoid excessive motions in all planes for the first 6 weeks to allow the repaired capsule to heal.
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Refrain from lifting any weight for the first 6 weeks.
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Prevent post-operative stiffness by gradually increasing range of motion with the guidance of a physical therapist.
Phase | Brace | ROM | WB | Exercises |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Weeks 0-2 | Worn at all times, day and night | None | NWB | Elbow/wrist ROM, grip strengthening at home only |
Weeks 2-4 | Worn during daytime, can remove at night | Start PROM FF 0-90°, Abd 90° | NWB | Codman's, posterior capsule mobilizations; closed chain scapula** |
Weeks 4-6 | Worn during daytime, can remove at night | Start AAROM 0-120°, Abd 90, IR 45° | NWB | Progress posterior capsule mobilizations; closed chain scapula** |
Weeks 6-12 | None | PROM >> AAROM/AROM; Goals: Full ER, 135° flexion, 120° Abd | PWB | Progress AAROM-> AROM; deltoid/rotator cuff isometrics at 8 weeks; Begin resistive exercises for scapular stabilizers, biceps, triceps and rotator cuff*** |
Weeks 12-16 | None | AROM | PWB | Emphasize external rotation and latissimus eccentrics, glenohumeral stabilization; may begin muscle endurance activities; cycling/running as tolerated at 12 weeks |
Months 4-5* | None | FAROM | WBAT | Aggresive scapular stabilization and eccentric strengthening; begin plyometric and sport-specific RTP program; continue endurance activities; maintain ROM/flexibility |
Months 5+ | None | FAROM | WBAT | Progress with Phase 4 activities, return to full activity as tolerated |
*limited return to sport activities
**avoid stretch of anterior capsule
***avoid resistant exercises that stress the anterior capsule; keep all strengthening exercises below the horizontal plane
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