Resources · Rehabilitation protocols
Rehabilitation protocols
Overviews of the rehabilitation protocols used after surgery, organized by body region. Each overview links a downloadable PDF.
Use only the protocol your surgical team selected for you. These overviews describe the general shape of recovery; specific exercises, precautions, and timelines are individual and are set by your surgeon and physical therapist.
Knee
ACL, meniscus, cartilage & joint preservation, patellar instability, and tendon repairs.
ACL reconstruction rehabilitation
ACL reconstruction (knee)
Arthroscopic Meniscectomy, Chondroplasty & Loose Body Removal Protocol
Arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, chondroplasty, and loose-body removal (knee)
Meniscus Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
Meniscus repair (knee)
Meniscus Root Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
Meniscus root repair (knee)
Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy (TTO) Rehabilitation Protocol
Tibial tubercle osteotomy (knee)
MPFL Reconstruction Rehabilitation Protocol
Medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction (knee)
Knee Realignment Osteotomy Rehabilitation Protocol
Knee realignment osteotomy — distal femoral osteotomy (DFO) / high tibial osteotomy (HTO)
Patellar & Quadriceps Tendon Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
Patellar or quadriceps tendon repair (knee extensor mechanism)
Shoulder & upper arm
Rotator cuff, instability, biceps, replacement, and fracture rehabilitation.
Rotator Cuff Repair (Small/Medium) Rehabilitation Protocol
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair — small/medium (shoulder)
Rotator Cuff Repair (Massive) Rehabilitation Protocol
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair — massive (shoulder)
Anterior Shoulder Stabilization Rehabilitation Protocol
Arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization
Biceps Tenodesis Rehabilitation Protocol
Biceps tenodesis (shoulder; long head of the biceps)
Subacromial Decompression Rehabilitation Protocol
Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (acromioplasty / bursectomy — shoulder)
Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation Protocol
Anatomic total shoulder replacement (subscapularis repaired)
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation Protocol
Reverse total shoulder replacement (deltoid-driven)
Non-Operative Clavicle Fracture Rehabilitation Protocol
Collarbone (clavicle) fracture treated without surgery
Clavicle Fracture ORIF Rehabilitation Protocol
Collarbone (clavicle) fracture fixed surgically (open reduction and internal fixation)
Non-Operative Humeral Shaft Fracture Rehabilitation Protocol
Humeral shaft (mid-upper-arm) fracture treated without surgery
Non-Operative Proximal Humerus Fracture Rehabilitation Protocol
Proximal humerus (upper arm, near the shoulder) fracture treated without surgery
Hip & pelvis
Gluteal tendon and proximal hamstring repairs.
Gluteus Medius / Minimus Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
Surgical repair of the gluteus medius and/or gluteus minimus tendon at the greater trochanter
Proximal Hamstring Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
Surgical repair of the proximal hamstring (reattachment to the ischial tuberosity)
Elbow
Distal biceps, terrible-triad, and radial-head replacement rehabilitation.
Distal Biceps Tendon Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
Surgical repair of the distal biceps tendon (reattachment to the radius)
Elbow “Terrible Triad” Rehabilitation Protocol
Surgical treatment of an elbow terrible-triad fracture-dislocation
Radial-Head Replacement Rehabilitation Protocol
Radial-head replacement (implant arthroplasty of the radial head)
Next step
Following a protocol after surgery?
Use only the protocol your surgical team selected, and follow the individualized plan from your surgeon and physical therapist. Questions? You can request an appointment. This website is not monitored for emergencies — for a medical emergency, call 911.