Labral Repair Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside
Rehabilitating After Labral Repair: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Labral repair is a surgical procedure to address damage to the labrum, the cartilage ring that cushions and stabilises the hip or shoulder joint. A structured physiotherapy program is vital for recovery, helping to restore joint function, strength, and stability. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we offer tailored rehabilitation plans, including Clinical Pilates, to support your healing journey.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After Labral Repair?
Physiotherapy plays a key role in:
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early stages of rehabilitation focus on protecting the repair and promoting gentle movement:
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapy team utilises various treatments to optimise healing:
Manual Therapy
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Labral Repair?
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery depends on factors such as the type of labral repair (hip or shoulder), age, and overall health:
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Labral Repair?
Targeted strengthening is essential to stabilise the joint:
What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation exercises are carefully progressed to ensure safety:
How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates is an excellent addition to labral repair rehab, offering:
Frequently Asked Questions About Labral Repair Rehabilitation
How long after labral repair can I walk (hip) or move my arm (shoulder)?
How painful is recovery from labral repair?
How to sleep after labral repair?
When can I stop elevating my leg/arm?
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
Our skilled physiotherapists provide comprehensive care to help you achieve optimal recovery after labral repair. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your personalised rehabilitation plan!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
Labral repair is a surgical procedure to address damage to the labrum, the cartilage ring that cushions and stabilises the hip or shoulder joint. A structured physiotherapy program is vital for recovery, helping to restore joint function, strength, and stability. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we offer tailored rehabilitation plans, including Clinical Pilates, to support your healing journey.
Why is Physiotherapy Important After Labral Repair?
Physiotherapy plays a key role in:
- Restoring joint function: Exercises and manual techniques improve range of motion and stability.
- Preventing complications: Reduces risks of stiffness, weakness, and improper joint mechanics.
- Rebuilding strength: Targets weakened or compensating muscles to protect the joint.
- Facilitating safe recovery: A physiotherapist ensures your rehab progresses without overloading the repaired labrum.
What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early stages of rehabilitation focus on protecting the repair and promoting gentle movement:
- Pain and swelling management: Use of ice therapy and elevation to control discomfort.
- Mobility aids: Crutches (for hip labral repair) or a sling (for shoulder labral repair) may be prescribed.
- Gentle exercises: Focused on maintaining nearby joint mobility without stressing the repair site.
What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapy team utilises various treatments to optimise healing:
Manual Therapy
- Joint mobilisation: Gentle techniques restore range of motion in nearby joints.
- Soft tissue therapy: Relieves tension in compensatory muscles such as the glutes (hip) or scapular muscles (shoulder).
- Scar tissue management: Specialised techniques reduce adhesions and improve tissue mobility.
- Support and alignment: Taping provides additional stability and guides proper movement patterns.
- Protective bracing: Ensures the joint is kept in a safe position during initial healing.
- Cryotherapy: Ice therapy to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Lymphatic drainage massage: Encourages fluid movement to manage swelling effectively.
- Activity modification: Guidance on safe daily movements, such as sitting, standing, or overhead activities.
- Weight-bearing guidance: Specific instructions to protect the joint during early recovery.
- Gradual load progression: Safe reintroduction of strengthening and functional activities.
What Precautions Should Be Taken After Labral Repair?
- Follow movement restrictions: Avoid positions that stress the repaired labrum, such as deep hip flexion (hip repair) or overhead activities (shoulder repair).
- Use prescribed supports: Crutches or slings are essential to protect the joint early on.
- Avoid high-impact activities: Running, jumping, or heavy lifting should be postponed until cleared by your physiotherapist.
- Adhere to a gradual rehab plan: Progress strength and activity levels only as advised.
What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery depends on factors such as the type of labral repair (hip or shoulder), age, and overall health:
- 0–6 weeks: Focus on protecting the repair, reducing pain, and initiating gentle mobility.
- 6–12 weeks: Transition to controlled strengthening exercises and improved joint function.
- 3–6 months: Return to functional activities and sport-specific training.
- 6–12 months: Full recovery, including high-impact activities if cleared by your surgeon.
What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Labral Repair?
Targeted strengthening is essential to stabilise the joint:
- For hip labral repair:
- Gluteal muscles: Provide hip stability and reduce joint stress.
- Core muscles: Support pelvis alignment during movement.
- Hamstrings and quadriceps: Aid in lower limb function and walking mechanics.
- For shoulder labral repair:
- Rotator cuff muscles: Stabilise the shoulder joint during movement.
- Scapular stabilisers: Promote proper shoulder mechanics.
- Deltoids and biceps: Support overhead and lifting motions.
What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation exercises are carefully progressed to ensure safety:
- Early stages: Passive range-of-motion exercises, isometric holds, and basic stretches.
- Mid-stages: Controlled weight-bearing (hip) or resistance band exercises (shoulder).
- Later stages: Functional movements like squats, lunges, or throwing drills, tailored to your goals.
How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates is an excellent addition to labral repair rehab, offering:
- Core stability: Builds a strong foundation for safe joint movement.
- Controlled movement: Focus on alignment and precision to protect the repaired labrum.
- Balance and flexibility: Gradually enhances functional mobility and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Labral Repair Rehabilitation
How long after labral repair can I walk (hip) or move my arm (shoulder)?
- Hip labral repair: Partial weight-bearing with crutches typically begins within 1–2 weeks. Full weight-bearing may take 4–6 weeks.
- Shoulder labral repair: Gentle arm movements start in 2–4 weeks, with active use gradually reintroduced by 6–8 weeks.
How painful is recovery from labral repair?
- Initial pain: Normal post-surgery, managed with medication and ice therapy.
- Exercise soreness: Expected during rehabilitation but should lessen over time.
How to sleep after labral repair?
- Hip repair: Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees or on your non-operated side with a pillow between your legs.
- Shoulder repair: Sleep semi-reclined with support to avoid stressing the joint.
When can I stop elevating my leg/arm?
- First 2 weeks: Regular elevation is critical to control swelling.
- Afterward: Elevate as needed, especially after extended activity.
Take the Next Step Toward Recovery
Our skilled physiotherapists provide comprehensive care to help you achieve optimal recovery after labral repair. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and begin your personalised rehabilitation plan!
Have questions or want to make a booking? Call our friendly reception team 07 3706 3407 to book in to see one of our Tarragindi Physiotherapists or email us at [email protected]
Who to book in with
Bethany Kippen
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Mauricio Bara
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