Shoulder Decompression / AC Joint Rehabilitation Protocols
3 Shoulder Decompression / AC Joint rehabilitation protocols from 3 institutions, published 2019–2025. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain Orthopaedics — Arthroscopic SAD / Mumford Procedure | N/A; lifting restricted to 5 lbs operative arm wks 0-4; 10 lbs max wks 5-6 | Limit lifting to 5 lbs all planes wks 0-4; advance to 10 lbs wks 5-6; RTC eccentrics kept below 90 degrees… |
| University of New Mexico (UNM) Sports Medicine — General… | N/A (upper extremity) | Sling until comfortable (typically 1-2 weeks); avoid horizontal adduction x 6 weeks if distal clavicle… |
| UW Health Sports Medicine — Shoulder Debridement… | N/A (shoulder surgery) | Sling as needed for comfort; avoid repetitive overhead activities Phase II; no swimming until 5/5 RC at 90°… |
All 3 Shoulder Decompression / AC Joint protocols
Shoulder Decompression / AC Joint — Arthroscopic SAD / Mumford Procedure
Mountain Orthopaedics
Shoulder Decompression / AC Joint — General Shoulder Arthroscopy (Debridement / Subacromial Decompression / Distal Clavicle Resection)
University of New Mexico (UNM) Sports Medicine
Shoulder Decompression / AC Joint — Shoulder Debridement, Decompression and Distal Clavicle Excision
UW Health Sports Medicine