Adhesive Capsulitis Rehabilitation Protocols

6 Adhesive Capsulitis rehabilitation protocols from 4 institutions. 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	Tailor to stage and pain tolerance; avoid forceful stretching; progress within pain-free limits
Dr. Michael C. Fu MD (Hospital for Special Surgery)…	N/A	Immediate aggressive PROM and capsular stretching from day 1; if DCE: no horizontal adduction for 8 wks; if…
Saint Louis University (SLUCare) — Manipulation /…	N/A	DC sling post-op day 1; ROM all planes to tolerance immediately; 4-5 visits first week then 3x/week…
University of Delaware Physical Therapy — (Manipulation Under…	N/A (shoulder); PT begins day of MD procedure	Ice only for pain (heat may increase stiffness first days); moist heat allowed after 3 days; increased…
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — LOA/MUA with…	NWB surgical UE	Sling determined by surgeon based on concomitant procedure: tenodesis = no sling or 4 weeks; RCR = sling 6…
University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery — Shoulder Lysis…	NWB surgical UE; no sling use after isolated LOA/MUA	NO sling use after isolated LOA/MUA procedure; PT must begin within days of surgery (ideally day 1-2)…