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

SLAP 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

Phase 0 – Quiet (Week 0 - 1)

  • Elbow-wrist-hand ONLY
  • Begin active scapular retraction/protraction exercises with therapist cueing

Phase I – Passive Motion (Week 2 - 4)

Pendulums to warm-up - Passive range of motion

  • Supine external rotation - 0º
  • Supine forward elevation - 90º
  • Internal rotation - therapist assisted - not behind back
  • Initial core program/scapular stabilization
  • 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 - 7)

Pendulums to warm-up

Active range of motion with terminal stretch to prescribed limits

NO resisted biceps

  • SupineSeated External Rotation – GRADUALLY increase to full by week 12
  • SupineSeated Forward Elevation - GRADUALLY increase to full by week 12
  • Internal rotation – GRADUALLY increase to full by week 12

Phase III – Resisted (Week 8 - 11)Pendulums to warm up and continue with phase 2

Avoid “Peel Back” mechanism

  • External and Internal Rotation
  • Standing forward punch
  • Seated Rows
  • Shoulder Shrugs
  • Bicep Curls
  • Bear Hugs

Phase IV – Weight Training (Week 12)

  • Keep hands within eyesight, keep elbows bent, no long lever arms
  • 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

RETURN TO ACTIVITIES

Computer 3-4 weeks

Driving When no longer taking narcotics

Elliptical 1 months

Jogging 2 months

Light Swimming 2 months

Golf (Chip & Putt) 2 months

Golf (Irons & Driver) 3-4 months

Tennis 3-4 months

Weight training 3-4 months

Skiing 4 months

Contact Sports 4 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.