SUPERIOR LABRAL REPAIR GUIDELINES | SLAP
The information below is meant as a guideline only. The professional skills of a therapist must come into play for each individual patient.
Dr. Ben Robinson
PHASE ONE
0-4 WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
0-2 weeks: PROM to 140° flexion, 45° ER IR as tolerated.
2-4 weeks: Active/active-assisted stretch to 45° ER, 140° forward flexion, IR as tolerated.
IMMOBILIZER
0-2 weeks: Immobilized at all times day and night.
Off for gentle home exercise only.
2-4 weeks: Worn daytime only.
EXERCISES
Wrist and hand ROM, grip strengthening, and isometric abduction. Start external and internal rotation with elbow at side.
2 weeks: Begin cuff and deltoid isometrics at 2 weeks.
PHASE TWO
4-8 WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
Increase forward flexion and internal/external rotation to full ROM as tolerated.
IMMOBILIZER
None
EXERCISES
Advance isometrics in phase I to use a theraband, continue with wrist and hand ROM, and grip strengthening. Begin prone extensions, scapular stabilizing exercises, and gentle joint mobs. Avoid resisted shoulder flexion and bicep contraction.
PHASE THREE
8-12 WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
Progress to full AROM without discomfort.
IMMOBILIZER
None
EXERCISES
Advance theraband exercises to the use of weights and progress phase II work. Apply PNF strengthening and rhythmic stabilization exercises.
10 weeks: Outdoor running, planks and push-ups at 10 weeks.
PHASE FOUR
12-20 WEEKS
RANGE OF MOTION
Full + pain-free.
IMMOBILIZER
None
EXERCISES
Strengthening as tolerated, higher reps with lower weight.
Begin functional progression to return to previous activity level. *
16 weeks: Throwers may begin interval throwing program at 16 weeks.
