Adhesive Capsulitis — Shoulder Lysis of Adhesions / Manipulation under Anesthesia (LOA/MUA)

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE; no sling use after isolated LOA/MUA

Key Restrictions

NO sling use after isolated LOA/MUA procedure; PT must begin within days of surgery (ideally day 1-2); 3x/week therapy plus daily HEP; aggressive early ROM emphasis

Timeline & Phases

Day 1-2 weeks: NO sling, maximize PROM and AROM immediately (full ROM achieved during LOA/MUA), AAROM with canes and pulleys then progress, light RC and peri-scapular strengthening as tolerated by motion; 2+ weeks: restore full AROM, modalities as needed to assist motion, progressive RC and peri-scapular strengthening, continue HEP on non-PT days

Notes

Key distinction: NO sling use with isolated LOA/MUA (opposite of most shoulder procedures); PT begins day 1-2 post-op, 3x/week; aggressive early ROM to capitalize on intraoperative gains; 2-phase protocol; light strengthening progresses with ROM; modalities used to manage pain and assist motion gains; if combined with another procedure, refer to combined protocol

Published

12/2024