Rehabilitation protocol
Subacromial Decompression Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation protocol used after an isolated arthroscopic subacromial decompression. Because no tendon was repaired, recovery generally has fewer early restrictions than after a rotator-cuff repair. 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 an isolated arthroscopic subacromial decompression — removal of the inflamed subacromial bursa, with smoothing of the undersurface of the acromion (acromioplasty) when appropriate. It does NOT apply to a decompression performed together with a rotator-cuff repair, a labral repair, a biceps procedure, a shoulder stabilization, or any other concurrent procedure — those cases follow a different, surgeon-selected plan. When a subacromial decompression is performed together with a rotator-cuff repair, rehabilitation follows the applicable rotator-cuff repair protocol unless the surgeon specifies otherwise. The operative note and surgeon-selected protocol take precedence, and patients should use only the protocol identified by their surgical team.
What this protocol covers
- Rehabilitation after an isolated arthroscopic subacromial decompression (bursectomy, with acromioplasty when appropriate), where no tendon was repaired.
- It does NOT apply to a decompression performed with a rotator-cuff repair, a labral repair, a biceps procedure, a shoulder stabilization, or any other concurrent procedure — those follow a different, surgeon-selected plan.
- When a decompression is done with a rotator-cuff repair, rehabilitation follows the applicable rotator-cuff repair protocol unless the surgeon specifies otherwise; other concurrent procedures follow the surgeon-selected plan and may be more protective.
- Return to activity is criteria-based and guided by soft-tissue healing, your progress, and physician clearance. Follow your operative note and surgeon's instructions, and use only the protocol you are given.
If your decompression was combined with another procedure
This protocol applies to an isolated subacromial decompression. When a subacromial decompression is performed together with a rotator-cuff repair, rehabilitation follows the applicable rotator-cuff repair protocol unless the surgeon specifies otherwise. Other concurrent procedures — such as a biceps tenodesis, a labral repair, or a shoulder stabilization — follow the surgeon-selected plan and may require different or more protective restrictions. This protocol never substitutes for your operative note or the plan your surgeon selected — follow the individualized instructions your surgical team 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.
Period of protection
The earliest period after surgery, focused on comfort, controlling pain and swelling, and allowing the gentle motion your surgeon permits.
Restoring motion
Gradually restoring full shoulder motion within the limits your surgeon sets.
Strengthening
Progressively rebuilding rotator-cuff and scapular strength and control as comfort and motion allow.
Return to activity
A criteria-based progression back toward normal and, when appropriate, sport- or work-specific activity, guided by your progress and physician clearance rather than a fixed calendar.
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.