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Review
. 2017 Dec;10(4):499-506.
doi: 10.1007/s12178-017-9449-9.

Current Concepts in Rehabilitation for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability

Richard Ma  1 , Olubusola A Brimmo  2 , Xinning Li  3 , Lindsey Colbert  2
Affiliations
Review

Current Concepts in Rehabilitation for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability

Richard Ma et al. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2017 Dec.

Abstract

Purpose of review: The objectives of this review are to evaluate the current evidence-based literature and concepts surrounding rehabilitation in patients with anterior shoulder instability injuries and surgical repair.

Recent findings: The current literature evidence for shoulder rehabilitation for anterior shoulder instability and labral repair is limited. As a result, there are variations among surgeons and physical therapists in rehabilitation protocols after anterior shoulder instability injuries and repair. While general consensus on certain rehabilitation parameters exists, the evidence for the importance of rehabilitation and functional performance test for return to sport in future injury prevention is still lacking in literature. Rehabilitation after anterior shoulder instability injury and anterior labral repair is paramount in the injured or post-operative shoulder. Restoration of soft tissue mobility, dynamic glenohumeral joint stability, and balance and strength around the shoulder not only protect healing of injured or repaired soft tissues but also potentially minimizes future re-injury or recurrence risk.

Keywords: Anterior shoulder instability; Bankart tear; Exercise; Rehabilitation; Return to sport; Shoulder labral tear.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest

Xinning Li reports equity from and is an editorial board member of JoMI. All other authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Rhythmic stabilization drills to facilitate shoulder musculature co-contractions in the scapular plane below 30°
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Russian electrical stimulation of infraspinatus to facilitate appropriate timing and contraction of shoulder external rotation
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
a–c Use of blood flow restriction during diagonal exercises (a) and external rotation band exercises with (b) and without (c) Russian electrical stimulation (b) to promote muscle strength recovery
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
The cross body internal rotation stretch for gaining and maintaining shoulder internal rotation
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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