Specialized Toolkit Series: Shoulder Instability-Instability Rehabilitation and Return to Sport

Instability Rehabilitation and Return to Sport

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Dr. Curtis emphasizes the importance of close collaboration between therapists and surgeons in rehabilitating shoulder instability post-operation. The main goal is to avoid revision surgery by carefully tracking active range of motion, strength, and endurance based on the specific surgical procedure and sport demands. Rehabilitation begins with protecting the cuff through active motion from day one, progressing exercises gradually to restore force coupling. Objective criteria for return to sport, including strength tests and functional assessments, must align between therapists, surgeons, and trainers. Dynamic testing also helps athletes accurately gauge readiness, addressing confidence and fear avoidance to reduce re-injury risk.

Asset Caption

Charles A. Thigpen, Ph.D., P.T., A.T.C.

Keywords

shoulder instability rehabilitation

therapist-surgeon collaboration

post-operative shoulder therapy

return to sport criteria

dynamic testing in rehab