Post‑operative Physiotherapy
General principles of rehabilitation and self-physiotherapy for functional recovery of the shoulder
General Principles of Shoulder Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy plays a fundamental role in functional recovery after any shoulder surgery. The general principles presented below apply to all pathologies and interventions, with specific adaptations according to the type of intervention and healing progression.
General Objectives of Physiotherapy
- Recovery of joint mobility: progressively regain all ranges of motion of the shoulder
- Muscle relaxation: fight against contractures and vicious positions
- Shoulder recentering: restore good positioning and muscle synchronization
- Functional recovery: regain autonomy in daily activities
- Prevention of complications: avoid stiffness, adhesions and inflammatory phenomena
General Rehabilitation Phases
Phase 1: Protection
0–3/6 weeks
- Pain control
- Respect of immobilization
- Guided passive mobilizations
- Prevention of stiffness
Phase 2: Mobility
3–8 weeks
- Gradual recovery of ranges
- Active mobilization without resistance
- Pain-free self-exercises
- Flexibility work
Phase 3: Strengthening
8–16 weeks
- Scapular stabilizer work
- Progressive strengthening
- Proprioception
- Preparation for activity resumption
Fundamental Principles of Self-Physiotherapy
Work Without Pain
Shoulder physiotherapy work must be done with quasi-total absence of pain. In case of pain during an exercise, stop the exercise, try another less painful exercise or retry after a few hours. If an exercise is painful, it is either poorly performed or too early.
Regularity and Frequency
We advise working minimum 5 minutes, 5 times per day, every day. It is important to perform short-duration exercises but in a multiple daily manner to avoid occurrence of painful phenomena and progress in the best conditions. Avoid exercises that are too high intensity or too prolonged.
Work Guided by the Physiotherapist
Do not hesitate to ask the physiotherapist for exercises to perform at home and confirm with him the good performance of movements. The physiotherapist must show, explain and control that exercises are performed correctly and without pain.
General Mobilization Exercises
The Pendulum
Bent forward, leave the operated arm in vertical position then perform light circular movements to relax muscles around the shoulder. The goal is muscle relaxation, not wide movements.
Self-Elevation of the Arm
In lying position, grasp the hand of the operated side with the other hand and perform progressive elevation movements. The healthy arm performs all the work, the operated arm is only guided.
Neck/Shoulder Mobilization
Active mobilization at cervical level and shoulder level. Turn the head slowly and raise shoulders in all directions to relax peri-scapular muscles.
Practical Tips
During Exercises
- Follow surgical instructions and pain as a guide (no forcing)
- Apply ice 10–15 minutes after exercises if needed
- Individual progression with your physiotherapist
- Communicate any pain or discomfort felt
Return to Activities
Returning to work, sports and overhead activities is gradual and validated by the surgical team according to the procedure and clinical progress. Each patient progresses at their own pace.
Important: For detailed information on specific physiotherapy and self-physiotherapy protocols according to your pathology, consult the dedicated pages: