rehabilitation after surgery (labrum repair)

by Jamie Boyle
(UK, London)

Hi, I have recently had a labrum repair on my shoulder (almost 12 months ago), however my shoulder is very very slow in recovering. My range of movement is about 70% of what it should be and the shoulder capsule is still very tight. prior to the surgery i had several subluxations, and then dislocated once. had i a frozen shoulder after the dislocation then had the surgery 5 months after (the shoulder was about 85% at that stage). could you please offer some advice on how to further increase my range of movement (particularly the external rotation). I do several stretches twice a day, do not do any strength work though.

thanks

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rehabilitation after surgery (labrum repair)

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Oct 14, 2008
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shoulder motion
by: Bart - SII

Restoring your motion is likely going to be a challenge. After 12 months, the tissue has become fairly strong and any adhesions that have formed are well set. The fact that you only had about 85% of your motion prior to surgery will also have an effect on what you will be able to return to.

You might benefit from to some light strengthening activities, especially with multi-direction movements, such as diagonals across the body and other directions that mimic normal everyday life. Sometimes if you can increase the muscle function, the body will make adaptations and can increase your motion.

You may also benefit from therapy for joint mobilizations - this will stretch the joint capsule and can sometimes break up adhesions in the shoulder. Stretching on your own will likely not significantly improve your motion as it is very hard to stretch the capsule effectively. Joint mobilizations can be painful, and again, at 12 months might not make much difference.

Bart

Oct 15, 2008
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re: rehabilitation after surgery
by: Jamie Boyle

hi bart , thanks for the quick response to my other question. So i was also wondering what other techniques such as acupunture and injections may do to help increase a little more of the movement? I have read these may be useful in releasing tension and breaking down tissue in the shoulder.

thanks
jamie

Oct 15, 2008
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alternative treatments
by: Bart - SII

Acupuncture may be of benefit - I am not familiar with all of its uses so I can't say for sure. Injections would likely not have much effect.

If motion is severely restricted, physicians may perform a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). Basically they put you under and force your arm into full range, breaking the adhesions. This is usually only done after conservative treatments are failed and if there are significant restrictions that are limiting normal daily life. It requires rehabilitation after the procedure to maintain the motion.

Bart