SLAP Lesion Repair Physiotherapy Brisbane Southside

Rehabilitating After SLAP Lesion Repair: How Physiotherapy Can Help
A Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) lesion occurs when the upper part of the shoulder's labrum is damaged or torn, often requiring surgical repair to restore joint stability. Post-surgical rehabilitation is essential to regain mobility, strength, and function. At our Brisbane southside physiotherapy clinic, we provide personalised rehab programs, including Clinical Pilates, to support your recovery.

Why is Physiotherapy Important After SLAP Lesion Repair?
Physiotherapy plays a critical role in recovery by:

• Restoring joint mobility: Gradual exercises help regain range of motion and prevent stiffness.
• Rebuilding shoulder stability: Strengthening surrounding muscles protects the repair and improves functionality.
• Facilitating safe progression: Controlled rehabilitation minimises stress on the repaired labrum.
• Preventing complications: Reduces risks of pain, instability, or compensatory movement patterns.

What Happens During the Initial Recovery Phase?
The early phase focuses on protecting the repair and managing symptoms:

• Sling use: A sling is typically worn for 4–6 weeks to immobilise and protect the shoulder.
• Pain management: Ice therapy, prescribed medications, and gentle positioning are essential.
• Gentle mobility exercises: Initiated under physiotherapist guidance to prevent joint stiffness.

What Therapies Can Support Recovery?
Our physiotherapists use a variety of approaches to enhance your recovery:
Manual Therapy

• Scar management: Techniques to reduce adhesions and improve skin and tissue flexibility.
• Soft tissue release: Targets tight muscles, such as the deltoids or pectorals, to reduce tension.
• Joint mobilisations: Gentle techniques to restore mobility to the shoulder and nearby joints.

Taping and Bracing

• Support and alignment: Kinesiology or rigid taping stabilises the shoulder and promotes proper movement patterns.

Swelling and Pain Management

• Cryotherapy: Helps control swelling and inflammation in the early phase.
• Lymphatic drainage massage: Encourages fluid movement to minimise swelling and stiffness.

Education and Advice

• Activity modifications: Guidance on safe techniques for daily tasks like dressing and lifting.
• Progression planning: Structured advice on when and how to reintroduce activity and movement.

What Precautions Should Be Taken After SLAP Lesion Repair?

• Adhere to sling use: Protect the repair during the initial healing phase.
• Avoid overhead activities: Refrain from lifting, reaching, or external rotation in early recovery.
• Follow your rehab plan: Gradually progress as advised by your physiotherapist to avoid re-injury.
• Avoid sudden movements: Abrupt or high-impact actions can stress the labrum repair.

What is the Typical Recovery Timeline?
Recovery timelines vary but generally follow these stages:

• 0–6 weeks: Sling use, pain management, and gentle passive range-of-motion exercises.
• 6–12 weeks: Gradual progression to active range of motion and light strengthening.
• 3–6 months: Advanced strengthening and functional movements, including sports-specific training.
• 6–9 months: Return to high-impact activities and sports, depending on your progress.

What Muscles Should Be Strengthened After SLAP Lesion Repair?
Rehabilitation targets key muscles to restore stability and function:

• Rotator cuff muscles: Essential for shoulder stabilisation during movement.
• Scapular stabilisers: Promote proper shoulder blade mechanics and posture.
• Deltoids: Rebuild strength for lifting and reaching.
• Core muscles: Enhance overall upper body stability for functional activities

What Exercises Will Be Included in Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation exercises progress as your recovery advances:

• Early stages: Pendulum exercises, passive range-of-motion movements, and isometric holds.
• Mid-stages: Resistance band exercises for rotator cuff strengthening, scapular retractions, and light shoulder presses.
• Later stages: Functional activities like push-ups, overhead presses, and Clinical Pilates for advanced recovery.

How Does Clinical Pilates Support Recovery?
Clinical Pilates complements physiotherapy by focusing on:

• Core stability: Builds a strong foundation for upper body movements.
• Controlled motion: Ensures precise and safe movement patterns to protect the labrum.
• Strength and flexibility: Enhances overall function and confidence in movement.

Frequently Asked Questions About SLAP Lesion Repair Rehabilitation
How long after SLAP lesion repair can I move my arm?

• Gentle passive arm movements can begin within the first 1–2 weeks. Active motion is typically introduced around 4–6 weeks.

How painful is recovery from SLAP lesion repair?

• Mild to moderate pain is expected in the early stages but managed with medication, ice, and physiotherapy. Exercise-related soreness is normal and decreases over time.

How to sleep after SLAP lesion repair?

• Sleep in a semi-reclined position using pillows to support your arm. Avoid lying on the surgical side.

When can I stop wearing my sling?

• Most patients discontinue the sling after 4–6 weeks, based on surgeon and physiotherapist advice.

When can I return to sports or high-impact activities?

• Full return to sports is generally achieved within 6–9 months, depending on the type of sport and your recovery progress.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Our expert physiotherapists are here to help you regain strength, stability, and confidence after SLAP lesion repair. 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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