SLAP Repair Rehabilitation Protocols
10 SLAP Repair rehabilitation protocols from 10 institutions, published 2009–2024. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Michael C. Fu MD (Hospital for Special Surgery) — SLAP II… | N/A | Sling 3 weeks; no biceps strengthening for 6 weeks (8 wks if biceps tenodesis also performed); progressive ER… |
| iOrtho — Type II | Sling in neutral with abduction pillow (30-45 deg); sleep in sling; D/C at wks 7-8 | No AROM/AAROM wks 0-6; no elbow AROM (avoid biceps contraction) wks 0-8; no lifting wks 0-8; no reaching… |
| Lahey Hospital & Medical Center — (Superior Labral Lesion… | N/A | Sling 4 wks; no active ER/extension/elevation Phase I; no isolated biceps activation; no resisted supination… |
| Mammoth Orthopedic Institute — (Type II-IV) | N/A (shoulder) — sling x4 weeks | Sling x4 weeks; no active biceps contraction x12 weeks (Type II) or longer (Type IV); no active… |
| Mountain Orthopaedics | N/A; sling/immobilizer full time wks 1-4; discontinued at wk 4-5 unless MD instructs… | No biceps resistance x 6 wks; avoid full stress to superior labrum and biceps x 4 months; no jogging/bouncing… |
| Orthopaedic Associates of Maine — Reconstruction | FWB; sling at all times wks 0-3 | ROM wks 0-3: 90° flex, 90° abd, 0° ER, 0° ext; avoid elbow hyperextension; ROM wks 3-6: 120° flex/abd, 30°… |
| Samaritan Athletic Medicine (SAM Health) — SLAP Lesion Repair… | N/A (upper extremity) | Sling at all times Phases I-II; no ER beyond neutral until wk 4; no active/AAROM elbow supination/biceps… |
| Sanford Health — SLAP Lesion Repair (Arthroscopic) | N/A – upper extremity | PROM only below 90° elevation x 4 wks; AAROM/isometrics at 4 wks; AROM at 6 wks; strengthening at 10 wks; no… |
| University of Delaware Physical Therapy — (Grade II / IV) | Sling 24 hrs/day week 1; remove at home weeks 2-4 (use in crowds); D/C sling end of week 4 | Avoid High 5 / Low 5 positions; no passive shoulder extension or horizontal ABD for 2-4 weeks; caution with… |
| UW Health Sports Medicine — SLAP Lesion Repair | N/A (shoulder surgery) | Sling immobilization; no long head biceps tension for 6 weeks (no long lever arm flexion, no resisted… |
All 10 SLAP Repair protocols
SLAP Repair — SLAP II Repair
Dr. Michael C. Fu MD (Hospital for Special Surgery)
SLAP Repair — Type II
iOrtho
SLAP Repair — (Superior Labral Lesion Anterior to Posterior)
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
SLAP Repair — (Type II-IV)
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute
SLAP Repair
Mountain Orthopaedics
SLAP Repair — Reconstruction
Orthopaedic Associates of Maine
SLAP Repair — SLAP Lesion Repair (Type II)
Samaritan Athletic Medicine (SAM Health)
Surgical — SLAP Lesion Repair (Arthroscopic)
Sanford Health
SLAP Repair — (Grade II / IV)
University of Delaware Physical Therapy
SLAP Repair — SLAP Lesion Repair
UW Health Sports Medicine