Early Stage Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation stages post anterior dislocation

Early rehabilitation (0-6 weeks)

It is recommended all patients perform exercises from the early rehabilitation section. For some patient with low levels of activity and less physically demanding occupations, the basic exercises may be sufficient to achieve their pre dislocation requirements.  

Advanced exercises (6+ weeks)

However, if your occupation is physically demanding, particularly if it involves overhead activity, or if you are involved in contact sport or sport which involves overhead activity such as throwing and racket sports, further rehabilitation may be beneficial to achieve the stability required for your activity/ demands on your shoulder.

Higher Level and Return to Sport Training (6-12 weeks)

Contact sports and sports that involve overhead activities carry a higher risk of recurrent dislocation.  Many people wish to continue with these activities they enjoy.  The exercises and advice are designed to assist your return to sport and confidence in shoulder stability during high demand activities.

Early stage (0-6 weeks)

Getting started:

You may have already been provided with a booklet or been directed to the LTHT website for initial advice following a diagnosis of anterior shoulder dislocation which can be found below:

Anterior shoulder dislocation without bony injury – Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

If you are wearing your sling, it is important you regularly remove this and perform exercises to prevent the elbow wrist & hand, and your neck from becoming stiff and sore.

Expectations

  • Gradually increase your range of movement as the pain and swelling subsides in the shoulder
  • There may be discomfort with the exercises but there should not be pain, and the exercises should not be pushed to a point where you feel apprehensive about the stability of your shoulder.
  • Identify barriers to performing your exercises and consider ways to facilitate participation such as keeping an exercise diary and having a regular routine.

Goals

  • Wean from the sling in the first 2 weeks
  • Perform exercises on a little and often basis for the first 6 weeks
  • Gradually return to functional use of the arm in the first 6 weeks
  • Return to work for low demand occupations or prepare to return to work at 6 weeks for more demanding occupations
  • Consider setting individual SMART goals (see additional resources for support)

Markers

  • Consider use of the additional resources to assess the confidence you have with your shoulder.