This section applies to all patients.
No NSAIDS such as Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Naprosyn, and Aleve x 2 weeks
Pain: Tylenol for mild pain and if needed use mild narcotic provided.
Bracing: If recommended, use sling during sleep the first 2 nights if able. Sleep is more important so if you cannot sleep and use the sling, feel free to remove it.
Driving restrictions: No driving until you can safely shift and steer the vehicle.
Work restrictions: Depends on duration of lifting restrictions
Exercise restrictions: 2 weeks relative rest then 4 weeks progressive PT.
The following may not apply to all patients. Your provider will complete this section, depending on your needs.
☐ Use sling for ____days, coming out to flex and extend the elbow twice daily
☐ NO ACTIVE lifting above shoulder height x 1 week; may do PASSIVELY after day 3
☐ Do not actively rotate arm away from your body (keep hand between belly & your side) for 7 days and avoid sudden reaching out to side or behind you for 2 weeks.
☐ You can do simple pendulum exercises to help prevent a stiff shoulder
☐f/u for PT in 4-7 days
Activities: In general, with strength and activities, keep pain level below 4/10.
First 2 Weeks:
Strengthening/Motion: Isometrics are good for muscles and pain control. Gentle assisted and passive range of motion is good. PT will help with gentle range of motion.
Walking: No restrictions.
Cycling: May do gentle ride on stationary bike for 10-15 minutes, then 30 minutes after week 1.
Swimming: No swimming for the first 2 weeks.
Throwing/rock climbing/tennis: None of these the first 2 weeks.
Weeks 2-4:
Strengthening/Motion: Start gentle low load concentric/eccentrics with PT. Work on progressive motion using the other arm or stick.
Cycling: No restrictions except would stay on exercise bike until 4 weeks.
Swimming: May begin gentle kicking and pool walking.
Throwing/rock climbing/tennis: No throwing/rock climbing until after 6 weeks. May begin 10-15 minutes of ground strokes (noncompetitive) at 4 weeks.
Weeks 4-6:
Strengthening/Motion: Progress to moderate loading and progressive strengthening.
Work on regaining full range of motion by 4-6 weeks.
Cycling: May do gentle road biking and trail biking; avoid mtn biking until 6 weeks.
Swimming: May try some gentle breaststroke for a few laps. Use buoy for rest.
Throwing/rock climbing: Can begin some pre-climbing/throwing exercises with PT.
Anticipate return to gentle climbing and return to throwing program at 6 weeks.