Guides for patients after orthopaedic surgery

We have developed protocols (after surgery guidelines) for common operations.

After surgery guidelines

Each guideline outlines precautions such as:

Weight bearing restrictions
Brace or sling use
Movement restrictions
Recommended exercises to help your recovery

Your physiotherapist will explain each of the steps in the protocol and answer any questions along the way.

Remember to be safe. If you do not understand the precautions or how to do the exercises in the protocol, seek help and ask your physiotherapist or surgeon.

Warning: These guidelines should only be used under the direction of an orthopaedic surgeon from the RMH. They may not be suitable for similar surgery performed elsewhere. Progression through the phases of each protocol should be guided by your surgeon and treating physiotherapist.

$Person with fracture injuries and repair protocols labelled$

This drawing shows the different fracture injuries that can happen to each part of the body, and their corresponding repair protocols. Each repair protocol is described in the text below.

Shoulder surgery guidelines

Bankart Repair

Biceps Tenodesis Protocol

This document outlines rehabilitation goals, precautions and exercises following biceps tenodesis surgery.

Latarjet Rehabilitation Protocol

This document outlines rehabilitation goals, precautions and exercises following Latarjet shoulder stabilisation surgery.

Rotator Cuff Repair Minimal Tension Protocol

This document outlines rehabilitation goals, precautions and exercises following rotator cuff repair with minimal tension.

Rotator Cuff Repair Under Tension Protocol

This document outlines rehabilitation goals, precautions, and exercises following rotator cuff repair under tension.

Shoulder Joint Arthroplasty Protocol (Total Shoulder and Reverse Total Shoulder)

This document outlines rehabilitation goals, precautions and exercises following shoulder arthroplasty (total shoulder replacement and reverse total shoulder replacement) surgery.

SLAP Labral Repair Protocol (1.0MB - pdf document)

This document outlines rehabilitation goals, precautions and exercises following SLAP labral repair surgery.

Subacromial Decompression Protocol (1.2MB - pdf document)

This document outlines rehabilitation goals, precautions and exercises following subacromial decompression surgery.