Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
The information below is meant as a guideline only. The professional skills of a therapist must come into play for each individual patient.
Protocols of…
Dr. Chris Evensen
PHASE ONE
0-2 WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
Limit flexion and abduction PROM to 90°. Limit PROM ER to 45°
IMMOBILIZER
Worn at all times day and night
Off for gentle exercise only.
EXERCISES
Grip strengthening, pendulum exercises, elbow/wrist/hand PROM at home.
Limit IR for 6 weeks.
PHASE TWO
2-6 WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
Increase as tolerated
IMMOBILIZER
2-4 weeks: Worn daytime only
EXERCISES
Begin cuff, deltoid isometrics
PHASE THREE
6-10 WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
Progress to full without discomfort.
Begin gentle IR PROM.
IMMOBILIZER
None
EXERCISES
Begin light resisted ER, forward flexion and abduction.
Focus on Anterior deltoid, teres.
Closed chain scapular rehab and functional rotator cuff strengthening.
PHASE FOUR
10+ WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
Full ROM without discomfort.
IMMOBILIZER
None
EXERCISES
Functional strengthening including PNF patterns, begin resisted IR and extension.
