SLAP Repair Rehabilitation Protocol
This rehabilitation protocol has been designed for patients undergoing a Superior Labrum Anterior to Posterior (SLAP) repair. This procedure is typically performed on overhead athletes or individuals with significant labral tears causing instability or pain.
Commonly, the procedure includes reattaching the torn labrum to the socket of the shoulder, often with the use of sutures or anchors. It's essential to recognize that healing involves not only the labrum but also surrounding soft tissue structures, and this process must be respected throughout rehabilitation.
Additional Surgical Considerations
SLAP repair procedures may sometimes be accompanied by other interventions, such as:
- Biceps tenodesis
- Debridement of frayed tissues
Communication with the surgeon and review of the operative note are critical to understand the specifics of the procedure and any necessary adjustments to the rehabilitation timeline.
Rehabilitation Timeline
Rehabilitation after a SLAP repair typically spans 6–9 months, with variations based on the sport’s demands, the athlete’s level of play, and their functional goals.
Physical therapy should commence approximately 2 weeks post-operation, as advised by the surgeon. The supervised rehabilitation program should be supplemented with a home exercise regimen prescribed by the Physical Therapist.
Return to overhead throwing or high-demand activities should be carefully guided and usually begins no earlier than 4–5 months post-op, with ongoing supervision to ensure safety and proper progression. Full return to sport is achieved when the patient has:
- Completed the rehabilitation protocol
- Successfully gone through a return-to-throwing program
- Received clearance from the surgeon
Rehabilitation Goals
The primary goals of SLAP repair and its subsequent rehabilitation are to:
- Control pain and inflammation
- Allow for adequate tissue healing and maturation
- Restore normal range of motion and strength in the upper extremity
- Correct postural and mechanical deficits, ensuring consistent proper movement
- Achieve the patient’s desired level of function and performance
Note: Adherence to the structured recovery program is crucial for a successful return to sport. Compliance with rehabilitation can significantly impact the success rate of returning to previous levels of activity, with favorable outcomes in most cases.
Important Considerations
There are not a lot of things that we can do to speed the process of healing, but there are things that we can do to slow it down:
- Refrain from heavy lifting or forceful movements involving the shoulder in the early stages
- Avoid activities that place undue stress on the repaired labrum, such as throwing or overhead lifting
- Don’t push through pain