Rehabilitation protocol
Anterior Shoulder Stabilization Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation protocol after arthroscopic anterior shoulder stabilization. Your surgeon and physical therapist will tailor it to you — always follow the individualized plan they give you, and use only the protocol your surgical team selected.
Who this protocol is for
Applies to primary arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral/Bankart stabilization. It does not automatically apply to posterior stabilization, multidirectional instability, SLAP repair, remplissage, revision stabilization, or bone-block/bony-augmentation procedures. Patients should use only the protocol identified by their surgical team.
What this protocol does and does not cover
- Applies to primary arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral (Bankart) stabilization.
- It does not automatically apply to posterior stabilization, multidirectional instability, SLAP repair, remplissage, revision stabilization, or bone-block/bony-augmentation procedures.
- Your surgical team selects the protocol — use only the one you are given.
If you had a different stabilization procedure
If your procedure was a different type of stabilization — for example for posterior or multidirectional instability, a SLAP repair, remplissage, a revision, or a bone-block/bony-augmentation procedure — this protocol may not apply. Follow the individualized plan your surgeon gives you.
How rehabilitation is generally structured
Rehabilitation after this procedure is usually organized into progressive phases. The phases below describe the general shape only — specific exercises, precautions, and timelines are individual and are set by your surgeon and physical therapist.
Protection
The earliest period after surgery, focused on protecting the repaired capsulolabral structures while they heal.
Motion
Gradually restoring shoulder motion within the limits your surgeon sets.
Strengthening
Progressively rebuilding strength, coordination, and control of the shoulder as healing allows.
Sport-specific rehabilitation
A criteria-based progression toward sport-specific activity. Return to competitive or contact sports may be considered around six months when recovery criteria are met and the surgeon approves.
This overview describes the general structure of rehabilitation only. It does not replace the specific instructions of your own surgeon and physical therapist, whose guidance always takes precedence. Timelines and precautions are individual and are set for you at your appointments. Use only the protocol your surgical team selected for you.