Shoulder Impingement

Shoulder Information

AC Joint Reconstruction Rehabilitation

With reconstruction of the AC joint you will be discharged from hospital with a sling.

You will usually be discharged the day of surgery or the following day.

Bathing is allowed in two days' time and the dressing may be changed.

The sling is optional and used for comfort and support only, and may be removed when ever you wish.

Physiotherapy

There are two aspects

preventing unwanted scar formation and stiffness
protecting the repair

Protect your repair by being careful that your arm does not participate in lifting, pushing, or pulling and that it is not raised away from the side under its own power. Unless we tell you otherwise, you may use your hand for typing or writing. Raising the arm even a small amount places demands on your repair of the muscles around the ac joint (Deltoid and Trapezius) and should be avoided. We will tell you how long these restrictions need to be in effect. During this time you should not drive!

Elbow, wrist, and hand exercises are begun immediately.

Gentle shoulder exercises can also be started immediately. Range of motion exercises with pendulum and passive elevation to 90 degrees are commenced and biceps and triceps strengthening exercises are permitted Shoulder isometric internal and external rotation exercises in standing are started.


Pendulums You can move your shoulder passively by standing up and bending over at the waist, allowing the operated arm to dangle down in a relaxed way

Forward Elevation Passive motion is also easily done while you are lying on your back. Grasp the arm of your operated shoulder with the opposite hand and slowly help the arm up to a vertical position and then over your head. On lowering it back down you will need to concentrate on keeping the operated shoulder completely relaxed

A hand strengthening ball is used to strengthen the grip and forearm muscles.

All of the exercises are performed 2-3 times per day for the next two weeks

A Cryo Cuff icing unit or other forms of icing can be applied as much as possible over the next 2-3 weeks

After four weeks you may start a more aggressive home rehabilitation program. The shoulder exercises performed are flexion to 90 degrees, abduction to 90 degrees, bent over extension, bent over horizontal abduction, and side lying external rotation

At the sixth post operative week the range of motion of flexion and abduction are increased to 180 degrees as tolerated

Lifting is not advised for six weeks, but following that, with progressive exercise and motion activities you may start to lift weights in the comfort range.

Unrestricted lifting and return to sport may commence at 12 weeks following surgery. High risk sports, such as contact sports, Hockey and bike riding should be deferred until 6months following surgery to minimize risks of re-injury.

Risks and possible complications of surgery

back to Acromioclavicular Joint main page