Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair Rehabilitation Protocols
6 Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair rehabilitation protocols from 6 institutions, published 2017–2020. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Orthopaedic Associates of Maine | FWB; UltraSling 4-6 weeks (4 wks: traumatic/acute; 6 wks: atraumatic/ligamentous laxity) | Protect posterior capsule — avoid extremes of IR throughout; PROM restricted: 90° FF and ER to 0° by 4 wks… |
| Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) — Posterior… | 'Gunslinger' brace (sling with supporting pillow) worn day and night x6 wks except… | No overhead activity, avoid IR, no active flexion x6 wks Phase I; avoid posterior GH joint mobilizations… |
| SOMOS (Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons) — Posterior… | N/A (Upper Extremity) | Sling full-time 4 wks then wean by 6 wks; ER limited to 0° (not 30°) wks 1-4; Phase 1 staged ROM: FLEX <90°… |
| Sutter Health / Palo Alto Medical Foundation — Posterior… | N/A (upper extremity) | Sling with abduction pillow; neutral rotation to a few degrees ER only (limits IR); NO pendulum exercises… |
| University of Delaware Physical Therapy — Posterior Capsular… | Abduction sling 24 hrs/day weeks 1-4; abduction sling in crowds weeks 5-8; D/C sling… | Avoid High 5 / Low 5 positions; avoid IR behind the back for first 12 weeks; no formal PT weeks 1-4; AROM… |
| UW Health Sports Medicine — Posterior Shoulder Reconstruction… | N/A (shoulder surgery) | Sling 6 weeks; no shoulder IR past neutral for 6 weeks; no IR with abduction for 8 weeks; avoid closed chain… |
All 6 Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair protocols
Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair
Orthopaedic Associates of Maine
Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair — Posterior Shoulder Stabilization
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS)
Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair — Posterior Shoulder Stabilization
SOMOS (Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons)
Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair — Posterior Shoulder Stabilization
Sutter Health / Palo Alto Medical Foundation
Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair — Posterior Capsular Stabilization
University of Delaware Physical Therapy
Posterior Shoulder Instability Repair — Posterior Shoulder Reconstruction with or without Labral Repair
UW Health Sports Medicine