SUPERIOR CAPSULAR RECONSTRUCTION (SCR) REHABILITATION PROTOCOL
- After surgery the dressings are removed at around day 10 and the sutures taken out.
- Ice is recommended to reduce swelling and assist with pain. This should be continued for the first week to two weeks. Application should be performed 3-4 times per day
- The sling should be maintained when not performing exercises for the first 6 weeks
| Range of Motion | Exercises | |
| Phase I – Protect Repair0-6 Weeks | Immobilized at all times in an abduction sling, day and nightPROM;90 Deg flex, 30 ER, 20 deg ex, 45 Ab, 45 ABER | ROM Elbow and wristClosed chain scapula
PASSIVE MOTION ONLY TO LIMITS OUTLINED |
| Phase II – ROM and Protect repair6-12 Weeks | Ween out of slingNo lifting/Wt bearing of armNo AROM
FE to 140 Abduction 135 AbER 90 AbIR 45
|
As for Phase I, plus:NO ACTIVE ROM
Commence active assisted exercises
Deltoid/rotator cuff isometrics at 8 weeks
Commence periscapular resistive activities
Active assisted |
| Phase III– ROM gentle strength12-16 weeks | Gradual return to full AROM | Continue with Phase II activities. Main aim is to improve ER and Lat Dorsi Eccentrics.Begin upper body endurance activities.
Cycling/running as tolerated |
| Phase IV– Strength4-6 Months | Full and pain free AROM | Progressive scapular stabilising exercises, eccentric strengtheningBegin with plyometric program, continue with strength and endurance activities |
| Phase V – Endurance6-8 Months | Full and pain free AROM | Continue with phase IV activities. Back to full activities as tolerated. Assess WC patients for ultimate functional capacity |