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 degrees using table slides. Avoid external rotation beyond 10 degrees (or limit specified at surgery) to protect the subscapularis.
2-6 weeks: Discard sling. Restore normal glenohumeral and scapulothoracic motion and function with active-assisted to active range of movement (ROM) exercises including overhead elevation. Perform scapular exercises.
6-12 weeks: Start deltoid strengthening exercises and continue with ROM stretches. Avoid free weights
After 12 weeks: May lift and carry objects as tolerated.