Phase I : 0-4 Weeks
Sling Immobilizer: Worn at all times – Sleep with pillow under elbow to support the operative arm
Range of Motion: Supported pendulum exercises under guidance of PT
Therapeutic Exercises: Elbow and wrist active motion (with shoulder in neutral position at the side), hand exercises, patient may ride stationary bike with operative arm in the sling
Phase II : 4-6 Weeks
Sling
Immobilizer:
Worn
at
all
times
–
Sleep
with
pillow
under
elbow
to
support
the
operative
arm
Range of Motion : AAROM in the supine position with wand – Goal: Forward Flexion to 90 degrees
Therapeutic Exercises : Elbow and wrist active motion (with shoulder in neutral position at the side), hand exercises, shoulder shrugs / scapular retraction without resistance.
Phase III : 6-8 Weeks
Sling Immobilizer: May be discontinued
Range of Motion: AROM in the pain free range – No PROM, AAROM (pulleys, supine wand, wall climb) – Goals: Forward Flexion to 120 degrees and Abduction to 90 degrees, ER to tolerance , IR and Extension (wand behind the back)
Therapeutic Exercises: Elbow and wrist active motion (with shoulder in neutral position at the side), hand exercises, submaximal isometrics
Phase IV : 8-12 Weeks
Range
of
Motion:
AROM
and
AAROM
in
the
pain
free
range
–
No
PROM,
Goals:
Full
ROM
Therapeutic Exercises: Light Theraband (ER, Abduction, Extension), Biceps and Triceps PREs, Prone Scapular Retraction Exercises (without weights), Wall Push‐Ups (no elbow flexion > 90 degrees)
Phase V: 3-6 Months
Range of Motion: Full ROM
Therapeutic Exercises: Light Theraband (ER, Abduction, Extension) with increasing resistance, May start light weight training at 4.5 months post‐op (no flies or pull downs), Regular Push‐Ups
Return to athletics at 6 months post op