SUPERIOR CAPSULAR RECONSTRUCTION

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