Labral repair

  • You don’t need to wear a sling in the shower.

  • Begin doing pendulum exercises.

Pendulum exercise

You can see a video demonstration here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0blH3d9xyI

  1. Lean forward and hang your arm

  2. Swing your arm in a gentle circle, building towards a 30 centimeter diameter.

You can do this once or twice per day for approximately 30 seconds, e.g. shower time and dressing.

Still wear main sling at other times.

Physiotherapy

Wean off your sling over a 3 day period and start physio when directed.

Physio guidelines

  • Initially work on posture, scapula control, range of motion.

  • Don’t force external rotation and avoid rapid or uncontrolled movements.

  • Normalise patterns of use for activities of daily living.

  • Don’t lift more than 2 kilograms initially.

  • Light theraband inner-range strenghening when 70% range of motion is reestablished (usually around 8 weeks post-surgery).

  • Usually gym-based strengthening can commence approximately 10 weeks post surgery.

  • Proprioception and sport-specific rehabilitation once sufficient strength is regained. For throwing drills 4 months from surgery.

  • Generally the earliest return to risky activites is 5 months post surgery.

  • Overall improvement will continue to for 12 – 18 months after surgery.

Return to work guidelines

Often the initial return to work is part-time hours and modified duties, gradually building up.

  • Sedentary work with arm in sling: 10 - 14 days

  • Light two handed desk height duties and driving: 4 - 5 weeks

  • Medium lifting below eye level: 10 weeks

  • Heavy work: may be 4 months (depending on progress)