Subacromial Decompression — General Shoulder Arthroscopy (Debridement / Subacromial Decompression / Distal Clavicle Resection)

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE initially; functional use as tolerated with sling discontinued by 1-2 weeks

Key Restrictions

Sling until comfortable (typically 1-2 weeks); avoid horizontal adduction stretching for 6 weeks if distal clavicle resection performed; no conventional weight lifting until 6 weeks

Timeline & Phases

0-2 wks: sling, RC isometrics (flex/ext/abd/add/IR/ER), scapular exercises, PROM to flex 90°/abd 90°/IR 90°/ER 45°; 2 wks: Theraband/tubing IR/ER with arm abducted 20-30°; 4-6 wks: RC isotonics (prone flexion/abd/ext/scaption), scapular isotonics (shrugs/press-ups/punches/rows), proprioception, PNF D1/D2, isokinetics with 60° block at 30-45° abd; 6+ wks: conventional weight lifting, full ROM isokinetics; RTS criteria: doctor clearance, strength test, no pain with full ROM, throwing program if applicable

Notes

Covers debridement, subacromial decompression, and/or distal clavicle resection; sling typically off by 1-2 weeks; RC isotonics target 6-8 lbs, 5-6 sets of 15-20 reps at 4-6 weeks; isokinetics begin at 4-6 weeks with 60° block, advance to full ROM at 6+ weeks; avoid horizontal adduction stretching for 6 weeks if distal clavicle resection included; throwers need throwing program before RTS

Published

01/2023