Shoulder rehabilitation is one of our physical therapists specialties. The shoulder is the most complex
and flexible joint in the human body which leaves it highly susceptible to injury. Oftentimes when a
patient acquires an injury to the shoulder region physical therapy is prescribed as a treatment option
before the decision is made to undergo surgery. Most shoulder surgeries are effectively performed using
the arthroscopic method which is when the surgeon inserts a scope into the shoulder through a small
puncture wound. Once the scope is inserted the surgeon is able to see inside of the shoulder on a
monitor and will begin to perform the repair work by inserting the tools through one or more small
puncture wounds. Some of the most common shoulder surgeries are, rotator cuff repairs, laberal tear
repairs, shoulder instability and shoulder replacements. Although these are all very different
surgeries, the rehabilitation process will encompass a variety of stretching and strengthening
exercises that will target specific muscles and tendons in the shoulder. There are different phases
of the rehabilitation process, which will designate what type of exercises the patient can perform.
Rehabilitation after shoulder surgery is often a long process, and requires the patient to have a lot
of patience and a good work ethic.
