Subacromial Decompression

Subacromial Decompression

Phase I: Early ROM (0 to 4 weeks)

• May remove dressing and shower postop day # 3.
• Sutures will be removed in the clinic at 1^st post-operative appointment (10-14 days after surgery)
• Ice or cold flow system encouraged for the first week at a minimum: should be used 3-4 times per day.
• Sling should be worn for the first week.
• Scapular ROM exercises.
• Initiate shoulder exercise program 3 times per day:
  • AAROM: pulleys, wand and supine gravity assisted ROM.
  • Progress PROM and capsular stretching as tolerated.
  • Immediate elbow, forearm and hand ROM.
  • May start shoulder isometrics as pain improves.

Phase II: Restore Function (>4 weeks)

• Progress PROM and capsular stretching as tolerated.
• Equate active and passive ROM.
• Initiate rotator cuff and scapular stabilizer strengthening (Theraband, dumbbells, Hughston’s exercises, etc.) Avoid positions of impingement.
• Progress to functional activities as tolerated.

Subacromial Decompression / Rotator Cuff Debridement Biceps Tenodesis

Phase I: Early ROM (0 to 4 weeks)

• May remove dressing and shower postop day # 3.
• Sutures will be removed in the clinic at 1^st post-operative appointment (10-14 days after surgery)
• Steri-strips in axilla (armpit) should be left in place
• No resisted biceps flexion for 6 weeks
• Ice or cold flow system encouraged for the first week at a minimum: should be used 3-4 times per day.
• Sling should be worn for the first week.
• Scapular ROM exercises.
• Initiate shoulder exercise program 3 times per day:
  • AAROM: pulleys, wand and supine gravity assisted ROM.
  • Progress PROM and capsular stretching as tolerated.
  • Immediate elbow, forearm and hand ROM.
  • May start shoulder isometrics as pain improves.

Phase II: Restore Function (>4 weeks)

• Progress PROM and capsular stretching as tolerated.
• Equate active and passive ROM.
• Initiate rotator cuff and scapular stabilizer strengthening (Theraband, dumbbells, Hughston’s exercises, etc.) Avoid positions of impingement.
• Progress to functional activities as tolerated.

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