Intended for licensed physical therapists coordinating care with Dr. Vasileff. Defer to the operative note and the surgeon’s office for patient-specific direction.
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Shoulder · Instability & Labrum

Arthroscopic Bankart Repair

Post-operative protocol · Dr. Chris Vasileff, MD
For the treating physical therapist. This protocol is a guideline; progression is criteria-based and individualized. Defer to the operative note and the surgeon’s office for patient-specific direction.
  • Sling for 3 weeks
  • No cross-body adduction for 6-8 weeks
  • Avoid “throwing position” for 3 months

Phase 0 – Quiet (Week 0 - 1)

  • Elbow-wrist-hand ONLY
  • Ok to come out of sling for hygiene
  • Begin active scapular retraction/protraction exercises with therapist cueing

Phase I – Passive Motion (Week 1 - 4)

Pendulums to warm-up - Passive range of motion

Weeks 1 – 3:

  • Supine external rotation – 0*
  • Supine forward elevation – 90*
  • NO internal rotation

Weeks 4:

  • Supine external rotation – 30*
  • Supine forward elevation – Full
  • Internal rotation to belt line
  • Ice: continue to ice on a regular basis. At least 20 minutes at a time, 4-5 times per day.
  • Shower: On post-op day 3
  • Appointment: your first therapy appointment should begin 1 week after surgery.

Phase II – Active Motion (Week 5 - 6)

Pendulums to warm-up

Active range of motion with passive stretch to prescribed limits

  • SupineSeated External Rotation – GRADUALLY increase to full by week 12
  • No terminal stretching with ER
  • SupineSeated Forward Elevation – Full
  • Internal rotation – Full

Phase III – Resisted (Week 7 - 11)Pendulums to warm up and continue with phase 2

  • External and Internal Rotation
  • Standing forward punch
  • Seated Rows
  • Shoulder Shrugs
  • Bicep Curls
  • Bear Hugs
  • Continue ER progression to full over next 6 weeks

Phase IV – Weight Training (Week 12 and beyond)

  • **Avoid anterior capsular stress**
  • Keep hands within eyesight, keep elbows bent, no long lever arms
  • NO overhead throwing (below shoulder level), until 6 months after surgery
  • Minimize overhead activities (below shoulder level)
  • No military press, pull-downs behind head, or wide grip bench
  • Gradual progression of resistance controlling velocity, duration, intensity, and frequency
  • Core strengthening and balance training
  • MMI is usually at 12 months post-op

RETURN TO ACTIVITIES

Computer 3-4 weeks

Driving When no longer taking narcotics

Elliptical 1 months

Jogging 2 months

Golf (Chip & Putt) 2 months

Tennis (no overhead) 3 months

Weight training 3-4 months

Skiing 4 months

Swimming 4 months

Golf (Irons & Driver) 4-5 months

Tennis (with overhead) 4-5 months

Contact Sports 6 months

Overhead Throwing 6 months

**Heavy overhead lifting (military press), pull-down behind head, wide grip bench and dips are discouraged.

Questions about a protocol? Contact Dr. Vasileff’s office at (704) 865-0077.