Postoperative Rehabilitation and Return to Play Criteria After Anterior Shoulder Stabilization Procedures

Abstract

Anterior shoulder stabilization surgery is the preferred method to treat shoulder instability in athletes; however, a variety of surgical techniques exist. The rehabilitation specialist needs to have a basic understanding of each procedure to properly protect healing structures while restoring range of motion, strength, and functional abilities. Few evidence-based guidelines exist for rehabilitation after anterior shoulder stabilization, and those that are available are specific to the standard arthroscopic approach. Further, even less guidance is available for the later stages of rehabilitation and return to sports preparation and decision making. In this review article, rehabilitation considerations and alterations for variations of anterior shoulder stabilization surgery are presented. The importance of individualizing late-stage rehabilitation and incorporating core and lower extremity exercises as appropriate is also discussed. Lastly, rationale for criteria-based return to sports assessments to aid clinical decision making is presented.