AC Joint Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocols

9 AC Joint Reconstruction rehabilitation protocols from 9 institutions, published 2021–2025. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
Dr. Michael C. Fu MD (Hospital for Special Surgery)…	N/A	Sling 6 weeks; avoid horizontal adduction throughout Phase I; all Phase I-II exercises performed supine with…
iOrtho	Sling most of time wks 0-2; sleep in sling; wean wks 7-12	No active shoulder ROM; no passive ROM >90 deg; no reaching behind/across body; no lifting wks 0-6; no…
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Mammoth Hospital PT…	N/A (shoulder) — sling at all times including sleep x6 weeks	Sling x6 weeks; no active abduction or forward elevation x6 weeks; NO PENDULUMS or hanging exercises; all…
Massachusetts General Hospital — Acromioclavicular Joint…	Sling first 2 weeks; avoid PROM >90 deg elevation Phase I; progressive UE use Phase II+	No PROM >90 deg elevation Phase I; sling x 2 wks; progressive RC strengthening; closed chain deferred to…
NYU Langone Health — AC Joint / Distal Clavicle…	N/A	No shoulder ROM 0-6 wks (sling immobilization); no strengthening or resistance until 4 months post-op; return…
Sutter Health / Palo Alto Medical Foundation	N/A (upper extremity)	Sling 0-6 wks (remove only for exercise/hygiene, performed supine or with gravity eliminated); avoid…
UCLA Department of Orthopaedic Surgery - Sports Medicine	N/A (upper extremity)	Arm sling x 4 wks; no elevation >70° in any plane x 3 wks; no lifting >5 lbs x 6 wks; avoid excessive…
University of Colorado Anschutz (CU)	—	Sling/immobilizer x 6 wks; no active ROM 2-6 wks; PROM limited to FF 90, Abd 60, ER/Ext to neutral, IR to…
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Coracoclavicular…	NWB surgical UE	Sling 6 weeks; PROM only weeks 1-6; no active UE PREs initially; no throwing/overhead activities until 4+…