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Shoulder Arthritis

2-Week Rehabilitation Program Post Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Shoulder Arthritis

This program is tailored to optimize healing, improve joint mobility, and gradually strengthen the shoulder while minimising pain and inflammation.

 

General Guidelines

  1. Protect the joint: Avoid heavy lifting or movements that exacerbate pain.

  2. Pain management: Use cold or heat therapy as appropriate.

  3. Monitor progress: Stop exercises if sharp pain or swelling increases, and consult your provider.

  4. Lifestyle support: Maintain a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients (omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, vegetables).

 

Week 1: Pain Management and Gentle Mobility

Goals:

  • Reduce pain and inflammation

  • Restore gentle mobility

  • Avoid joint stiffness

Day 1–3: Rest and Recovery

  • Activity:

    • Limit overhead activities and avoid lifting heavy objects.

    • Rest, but avoid prolonged immobilisation.

  • Pain Management:

    • Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily, if swelling is present.

    • Gentle massage around the shoulder to promote circulation (avoid the injection site).

  • Passive Range of Motion (PROM):

    • Pendulum Swings: Bend slightly at the waist, letting the arm hang. Gently swing in small circles or side-to-side. (10 reps, 2 sets)

    • Table Slides: Sit at a table, place a towel under your hand, and gently slide your arm forward. (10 reps, 2 sets)

Day 4–7: Gentle Mobility and Stability

  • Mobility Exercises:

    • Shoulder Flexion with Stick: Hold a light stick with both hands and raise it overhead as far as comfortable. (10 reps, 2 sets)

    • External Rotation Stretch: Use a light resistance band or a towel to gently rotate the shoulder outward. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Isometric Strengthening:

    • Internal Rotation Isometrics: Stand near a doorframe and press the palm of your hand against it without moving the shoulder. (Hold for 5–10 seconds, 5 reps)

    • External Rotation Isometrics: Press the back of your hand against a wall without moving the shoulder. (Hold for 5–10 seconds, 5 reps)

  • Postural Training:

    • Focus on maintaining upright posture to reduce stress on the shoulder joint.

 

Week 2: Progressive Strength and Functional Mobility

Goals:

  • Strengthen shoulder muscles

  • Improve joint stability and function

  • Regain functional range of motion

Day 8–10: Strength and Stability

  • Active Range of Motion (AROM):

    • Wall Crawls: Place your fingers against a wall and “crawl” your hand upward as far as comfortable, then slowly lower. (10 reps, 3 sets)

    • Shoulder Abduction with Stick: Use a light stick to help lift your arm sideways. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Strengthening:

    • Scapular Retraction: Squeeze shoulder blades together while keeping shoulders relaxed. (10 reps, 3 sets)

    • Theraband Rows: Use a resistance band attached to a stable surface. Pull the band toward your torso, keeping your elbows close to your body. (10 reps, 3 sets)

  • Stability Training:

    • Side-Lying External Rotation: Lie on your side with the affected arm on top. Rotate your forearm upward using a light dumbbell or no weight. (10 reps, 2 sets)

Day 11–14: Functional Strength and Endurance

  • Strength and Endurance:

    • Prone T-Y-I Lifts:

      • Lie on your stomach with arms extended.

      • Lift arms into a T (shoulder level), Y (overhead), and I (straight ahead). (5 reps per position, 2–3 sets)

    • Overhead Punches: Perform light punching movements overhead using no weight or a light resistance band. (10 reps, 3 sets)

    • Farmer’s Carry: Hold light weights in each hand and walk for 20–30 seconds, maintaining good posture. (3 sets)

  • Functional Mobility:

    • Light Dumbbell Press: Press light weights overhead, stopping if there’s pain. (5 reps, 2 sets)

    • Wall Push-Ups: Perform push-ups against a wall to engage the shoulder and chest muscles. (10 reps, 2–3 sets)

  • Aerobic Exercise:

    • Use a stationary bike or walk for 15–20 minutes daily to maintain cardiovascular fitness.

 

Additional Recommendations

  1. Pain Management: Transition from ice to heat therapy if stiffness becomes more problematic than inflammation.

  2. Hydrotherapy: Perform gentle shoulder exercises in warm water to reduce joint stress.

  3. Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure workstations or daily setups are shoulder-friendly, minimising strain.

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