SLAP Repair — (Grade II / IV)

University of Delaware Physical Therapy · UDPT Clinical Team

Weight-Bearing

Sling 24 hrs/day week 1; remove at home weeks 2-4 (use in crowds); D/C sling end of week 4

Key Restrictions

Avoid High 5 / Low 5 positions; no passive shoulder extension or horizontal ABD for 2-4 weeks; caution with forceful supination with elbow flexed 4-6 weeks; no resisted shoulder flexion/horizontal ADD for 4-8 weeks; no resisted elbow flexion for 8-12 weeks; if MGHL repair: no ER at 0° ABD for 8-12 weeks; if coupled with Bankart repair: follow Open Bankart guidelines

Timeline & Phases

Week 1 (sling, Codman exercises, no formal PT); Weeks 2-4 (1-3x/week, 3-9 visits: PROM/AAROM, isometrics, scapular control, rhythmic stab); Weeks 5-8 (1-3x/week, 8-21 visits: isotonics, scapular strengthening, dynamic stab, PRN NMES posterior RTC); Weeks 8-12 (1-3x/week, 12-27 visits: gym program, higher elevation, closed chain); Weeks 12-16 (sport-specific, interval throwing); 12-27 visits total

Notes

University of Delaware PT Clinic; Grade II (biceps anchor detached from glenoid) or Grade IV (bucket handle superior labrum tear extending into biceps tendon); secondary: MGHL repair; updated May 2009; PROM targets weeks 2-4: horizontal ADD full, IR full in plane of scapula, ER 45°, flexion/ABD 120°; ER at 90° ABD begins week 6 progressing to 30-40°; full ROM after week 6; PRN NMES to posterior RTC (EMPI 300PV: 400us/75pps/12s on/50s off; Versastim: 2500Hz/75 bursts); Sleeper stretch for IR; interval throwing program weeks 12-16

Surgeon / Author

UDPT Clinical Team

Published

Updated May 2009