Shoulder SLAP Repair

Indications

To repair the damaged origin of the long head of biceps tendon (Superior Labral Anterior to Posterior Tear)

Protocol

Post Operation <3 weeks

• Wean off sling over first 3 weeks
• Teach postural awareness and scapular setting
• Assess kinetic chain control and provide exercises as required 
• Regain scapula & glenohumeral stability working for shoulder joint control rather than range
• Passive ROM as tolerated
• Progress to Active Assisted Motion as tolerated
• Closed Chain exercises as tolerated
• Core stability exercises with sling (as appropriate)

3 Weeks

• Progress to active gleno-humeral flexion, abduction, internal and external rotation
• Scapular stabiliser exercises
• Strengthen rotator cuff muscles
• Posterior complex stretching
• Increase proprioception through open & closed chain exercise

6 Weeks

• Ensure posterior capsule mobility
• Manual therapy if indicated to eliminate any stiffness
• Assess biceps function and add in eccentric biceps exercises with scapula control if required
• Progress to Sports-Specific Rehab

12 Weeks

• Biceps strengthening.

Milestones

Week 6

• Full Active range of elevation

Week 12

• Full active range of movement with dynamic scapula stability throughout range (Concentric and eccentric)

Return to functional activities

Return to work

• Sedentary job: as tolerated
• Manual job:     12 weeks

Driving

• 6-8 weeks

Swimming

• Breaststroke: 6 weeks
• Freestyle: 12 weeks

Golf

• 12 Weeks

Lifting

• Avoid lifting heavy items for 3 months.

Contact/High Impact Sports  (e.g. Rugby League, AFL, martial arts, racket sports and Surfing)

• 12 weeks

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