Shoulder Surgery Recovery: Expert Exercise Physiology for Post-Op Rehab at Activate Clinic
Introduction
A shoulder injury can be one of the toughest to manage, impacting everything from simple daily tasks to overall quality of life. Living with limited shoulder function often brings pain, frustration, and challenges. For severe cases, surgery might be the best solution—and while it’s a big decision, many patients see significant improvements post-op. However, the true key to success lies in individualized rehabilitation.
The most common post-op shoulder surgery we see at Activate Clinic involve rotator cuff repair mainly of the supraspinatus tendon however the rehab protocols are quite similar for any shoulder surgery. Longer term injuries generally have a greater challenge during rehabilitation as muscles can become tighter and poor mechanics can develop the longer you live with an injured shoulder.
The Early Weeks Post-Surgery: Rest, Recovery, and a Sling
The first six weeks after surgery usually require wearing a sling most of the day to protect the shoulder and limit movement. During this initial phase, rehab options are minimal, and one of the main challenges is achieving restful sleep while avoiding unnecessary strain on the shoulder. This time is about giving your shoulder the rest it needs to heal, while you also have to avoid overloading the unaffected shoulder which will be working double time.
Building Mobility: Weeks 6-10
By the six-week mark, you’ll be ready to start gentle rehabilitation exercises. This stage focuses on assisted range of motion to gradually activate your muscles in a safe, controlled way. While your surgeon may provide a standard exercise sheet, we’ve found that our individualised rehab method at Activate Clinic ensures a tailored approach, helping each patient avoid unnecessary stiffness and regain functional movement more effectively for their specific goals.
Increasing Activity and Intensity: Weeks 8-12
Between weeks 8 and 12, rehab progresses at a steady pace. You’ll begin to ease out of the sling and increase exercise frequency and intensity, setting the stage for a full recovery. At Activate Clinic, we blend in-person sessions with customized home-based exercises via our app, which includes detailed instructions and videos to ensure proper technique and adherence.
During this stage, you will be hitting milestones each week and will start to increase your confidence using your surgically repaired shoulder. Shoulder flexion (lifting your arm in front of you) progresses quicker and we begin to improve shoulder abduction (lifting the arm out to the side).
The Fun Part Begins: After 12 Weeks
After week 12, things start to ramp up! With nearly full range of motion restored, we can introduce more resistance-based and functional exercises. This is when rehab really kicks off, as we shape your program around your unique goals, whether it’s a return to work, sport, gym, or simply enjoying daily activities pain-free.
Begin Your Shoulder Rehab Journey with Us
The recovery process can be challenging, but with the right guidance, steady progress and lasting improvements are within reach. At Activate Clinic, our team is passionate about seeing your recovery journey through from start to finish. We recommend reaching out as soon as your surgery is scheduled, so we can design your ideal rehab plan.
Pricing and Booking
Our initial consultation is $140, and follow-up sessions are $95 each. Most patients start with weekly visits for the first 6-8 weeks, followed by bi-weekly sessions.