Shoulder Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Protocols

5 Shoulder Arthroplasty rehabilitation protocols from 2 institutions, published 2024. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.

Compare by institution

Institution	Weight-Bearing	Key Restrictions
iOrtho — Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty	Sling in neutral rotation with abduction pillow (30-45 deg); sleep in sling; wean during…	No AROM/AAROM wks 2-3; no PROM into IR wks 2-3; no reaching behind back (especially into IR) throughout; no…
iOrtho — Total Shoulder Replacement / Hemiarthroplasty	Sling in neutral with abduction pillow (30-45 deg ABD); sleep in sling; wean during day…	No AROM wks 0-3; no reaching behind back (especially into IR); no excessive ER or ABD; no lifting >coffee cup…
Orthopaedic Associates of Maine — Reverse Total Shoulder…	FWB; ROM limits 0-6 wks: flex 0-150°, ER 30°, abd 90°	ROM limits 0-6 wks: flex 0-150°, ER 30°, abd 90°; no IR resistance until >6 wks; discharge to independent…
Orthopaedic Associates of Maine — Reverse Total Shoulder…	FWB; hold formal PT and wear sling for 4 weeks; home pendulums/elbow AROM from Day 1	Hold formal PT 0-4 weeks; sling 4 weeks; ROM limits wks 4-6: flex 0-150°, ER 30°, abd 90°; no IR resistance…
Orthopaedic Associates of Maine — Total Shoulder Arthroplasty…	FWB; ROM limits wks 0-3: ER to 45°, flexion to 90°	ROM limits wks 0-3: ER 45°, flexion 90°; discharge to independent program when ROM plateau reached