Subacromial Decompression — / Partial RC Debridement / Distal Clavicle Excision

Saint Louis University (SLUCare)

Weight-Bearing

N/A

Key Restrictions

DC sling POD 1 (comfort only); passive and AAROM all planes no motion limitations immediately; isometrics all planes immediately; ROM full by wk 6; full return pending Dr. Kaar or Dr. Cutuk approval

Timeline & Phases

Wks 0-3: DC sling POD 1, AROM neck/elbow/wrist/hand 5x/day, passive pendulum 5x/day, passive and AAROM all planes no motion limitations, focus on normalizing scapulohumeral kinematics, periscapular ROM, isometrics all planes, icing 3-5x/day; Wks 3-6: continue all, begin RC and periscapular strengthening when AROM full, high rep/low weight strengthening, full ROM by end of phase; Wks 6-3 months: advanced strengthening (shoulder girdle/RC/periscapular), functional training (swimming, tennis, interval throwing if thrower), gradual return to sport; return to sport: full ROM, no pain, satisfactory strength, satisfactory clinical exam

Notes

SLU Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service; diagnosis: rotator cuff tear, AC joint arthrosis; covers subacromial decompression, partial RC tear debridement, distal clavicle excision (without biceps tenodesis); Dr. Kaar and Dr. Cutuk; 4-month protocol 2-3 visits/week