0-2 weeks: Arm in a sling for comfort. Sling may be removed to perform exercises, and for bathing, dressing and at meal times. Perform pendular exercises as well as exercises for the hand, wrist and elbow to maintain mobility. Encourage active assisted elevation in flexion and abduction to 90°using table slides. Allow external and internal rotation as tolerated.
2-6 weeks: Discard sling. Restore normal glenohumeral and scapulothoracic motion and function with active-assisted to active ROM exercises including overhead elevation. Perform scapular exercises. Allow full internal and external rotation stretching. May return to static bike riding.
6-12 weeks: Progress to rotator cuff strengthening exercises. May lift and carry objects as tolerated. May return to non contact sporting activities such as running, swimming and on-road cycling.
16-20 weeks: Patients may return to training for contact sports if clinically appropriate and after confirmation of progress with healing on x-rays.