Shoulder Reconstruction Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside

Rehabilitating After Shoulder Reconstruction: How Physiotherapy Can Help
Shoulder reconstruction surgery is performed to restore stability and function to the shoulder after dislocations, instability, or severe damage to soft tissues like ligaments or the labrum. Recovery requires a structured rehabilitation program, and our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic provides personalised plans, including Clinical Pilates, to support your return to full strength and activity.

Why is Physiotherapy Important After Shoulder Reconstruction?
Physiotherapy is essential for:

• Restoring range of motion: Carefully guided exercises reduce stiffness and restore mobility.
• Building strength and stability: Rehabilitation focuses on strengthening muscles around the shoulder to prevent future instability.
• Reducing pain and inflammation: Early interventions help manage post-surgical discomfort and swelling.
• Guiding a safe recovery: Ensures exercises progress in line with healing to avoid re-injury.

What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
In the first 6 weeks after surgery, the focus is on protection and healing:

• Immobilisation: A sling or brace supports the shoulder and protects the repair.
• Pain management: Ice, medications, and gentle positioning help manage discomfort.
• Passive movements: Physiotherapist-guided exercises maintain mobility in a safe range without stressing the reconstruction.

What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our clinic uses a comprehensive approach to support recovery:
Manual Therapy

• Scar tissue management: Techniques reduce adhesions and improve tissue mobility.
• Joint mobilisations: Gentle mobilisations improve movement in the shoulder and surrounding joints.
• Soft tissue release: Relieves tension in compensating muscles and improves circulation.

Taping and Bracing

• Kinesiology taping: Supports the shoulder and enhances proprioception.
• Sling guidance: Ensures proper usage during the immobilisation phase to protect the repair.

Swelling and Pain Management

• Cryotherapy: Reduces swelling and eases pain.
• Lymphatic drainage massage: Promotes fluid movement to minimise inflammation.

Education and Advice

• Activity modification: Guidance on safe movements and avoiding risky activities like heavy lifting or reaching overhead.
• Progression planning: Structured advice on when to reintroduce daily tasks, sports, or work activities.

What Precautions Should Be Taken After Shoulder Reconstruction?

• Follow immobilisation protocols: Wear your sling or brace as directed.
• Avoid lifting or overhead activities: Protect the repair by avoiding high-stress movements.
• Gradually progress exercises: Adhere to your physiotherapy program to avoid overloading the shoulder too early.
• Avoid risky movements: No sudden jerking, pushing, or pulling motions during early recovery.

What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery varies based on the extent of the reconstruction, but generally follows these stages:

• 0–6 weeks: Immobilisation with passive range-of-motion exercises.
• 6–12 weeks: Transition to active range-of-motion and light strengthening exercises.
• 3–6 months: Progressive strengthening and functional training.
• 6–12 months: Full return to sports, heavy lifting, or high-impact activities with clearance.

What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After Shoulder Reconstruction?
Targeted muscle strengthening focuses on:

• Rotator cuff muscles: Enhance shoulder stability and prevent dislocations.
• Scapular stabilisers: Improve shoulder blade positioning and control.
• Deltoid: Restores shoulder elevation strength.
• Biceps and triceps: Assist in functional arm movements.

What Exercises Are Part of Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation exercises progress over time:

• Early stages: Pendulum exercises, passive external rotation, and assisted flexion.
• Mid-stages: Active range-of-motion exercises, resistance bands, and scapular stabilisation work.
• Later stages: Strengthening with weights, push-ups, and Clinical Pilates for advanced recovery and functional movements.

How Does Clinical Pilates Complement Recovery?
Clinical Pilates is an excellent adjunct to physiotherapy, providing:

• Core stability: Essential for overall shoulder function and upper body control.
• Precision movements: Encourages safe, controlled recovery.
• Functional strength: Prepares the shoulder for everyday and athletic activities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shoulder Reconstruction Rehabilitation
How long after surgery can I move my shoulder?

• Passive motion typically begins within the first week, with active motion introduced after 6–8 weeks under physiotherapy guidance.

How painful is recovery from shoulder reconstruction?

• Pain is most intense in the first few weeks but improves significantly with proper pain management and physiotherapy.

How to sleep after shoulder reconstruction?

• Sleep in a reclined position with your arm supported by pillows or in a sling to reduce discomfort.

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When can I stop wearing my sling?

• Most patients begin weaning off the sling after 4–6 weeks, as advised by their surgeon and physiotherapist.

When can I return to sports or heavy lifting?

• Full return to sports or strenuous activities generally occurs 6–12 months post-surgery, depending on recovery progress.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our experienced team is here to guide you through every stage of your recovery after shoulder reconstruction. Contact us today to book your consultation and begin your personalised rehabilitation journey!
 
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]

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Who to book in with

Bethany Kippen
Physiotherapist.

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Mauricio Bara
Physiotherapist & Exercise Physiologist.

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