Capsular Release (Frozen Shoulder)

Phase I: Maintain ROM (0 to 6 weeks)

• May remove dressing and shower postop day # 3.
• Sutures are all underneath the skin and will dissolve on their own.
• Ice or cold flow systems encouraged for the firstweek at a minimum: should be used 3-4 times per day.
• Sling should be used for comfort only.
• Scapular ROM exercises.
• Pulleys or Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine to be used 3-5 times per day.
• Supplement exercise program 3 times per day:
  • Immediate elbow, forearm and hand range of motion out of sling.
  • Pendulum exercises.
  • Aggressive PROM and capsular mobility in all planes.
• Supervised PROM and capsular stretching 3 times per week.
• May start active scapular mobility exercises immediately.
• Initiate AROM when tolerated.

Phase II: Restore Function (>6 weeks)

• Initiate gentle rotator cuff strengthening (Theraband, dumbbells, etc)
• Continue scapular stabilizer strengthening.
• Avoid strengthening in positions of impingement.

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