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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
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Protect the joint: Avoid heavy lifting or movements that exacerbate pain.
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Pain management: Use cold or heat therapy as appropriate.
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Monitor progress: Stop exercises if sharp pain or swelling increases, and consult your provider.
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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:
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Reduce pain and inflammation
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Restore gentle mobility
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Avoid joint stiffness
Day 1–3: Rest and Recovery
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Activity:
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Limit overhead activities and avoid lifting heavy objects.
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Rest, but avoid prolonged immobilisation.
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Pain Management:
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Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily, if swelling is present.
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Gentle massage around the shoulder to promote circulation (avoid the injection site).
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Passive Range of Motion (PROM):
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Pendulum Swings: Bend slightly at the waist, letting the arm hang. Gently swing in small circles or side-to-side. (10 reps, 2 sets)
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Table Slides: Sit at a table, place a towel under your hand, and gently slide your arm forward. (10 reps, 2 sets)
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Day 4–7: Gentle Mobility and Stability
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Mobility Exercises:
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Shoulder Flexion with Stick: Hold a light stick with both hands and raise it overhead as far as comfortable. (10 reps, 2 sets)
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External Rotation Stretch: Use a light resistance band or a towel to gently rotate the shoulder outward. (10 reps, 2 sets)
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Isometric Strengthening:
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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)
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External Rotation Isometrics: Press the back of your hand against a wall without moving the shoulder. (Hold for 5–10 seconds, 5 reps)
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Postural Training:
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Focus on maintaining upright posture to reduce stress on the shoulder joint.
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Week 2: Progressive Strength and Functional Mobility
Goals:
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Strengthen shoulder muscles
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Improve joint stability and function
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Regain functional range of motion
Day 8–10: Strength and Stability
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Active Range of Motion (AROM):
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Wall Crawls: Place your fingers against a wall and “crawl” your hand upward as far as comfortable, then slowly lower. (10 reps, 3 sets)
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Shoulder Abduction with Stick: Use a light stick to help lift your arm sideways. (10 reps, 2 sets)
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Strengthening:
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Scapular Retraction: Squeeze shoulder blades together while keeping shoulders relaxed. (10 reps, 3 sets)
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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)
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Stability Training:
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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)
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Day 11–14: Functional Strength and Endurance
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Strength and Endurance:
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Prone T-Y-I Lifts:
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Lie on your stomach with arms extended.
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Lift arms into a T (shoulder level), Y (overhead), and I (straight ahead). (5 reps per position, 2–3 sets)
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Overhead Punches: Perform light punching movements overhead using no weight or a light resistance band. (10 reps, 3 sets)
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Farmer’s Carry: Hold light weights in each hand and walk for 20–30 seconds, maintaining good posture. (3 sets)
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Functional Mobility:
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Light Dumbbell Press: Press light weights overhead, stopping if there’s pain. (5 reps, 2 sets)
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Wall Push-Ups: Perform push-ups against a wall to engage the shoulder and chest muscles. (10 reps, 2–3 sets)
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Aerobic Exercise:
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Use a stationary bike or walk for 15–20 minutes daily to maintain cardiovascular fitness.
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Additional Recommendations
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Pain Management: Transition from ice to heat therapy if stiffness becomes more problematic than inflammation.
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Hydrotherapy: Perform gentle shoulder exercises in warm water to reduce joint stress.
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Ergonomic Adjustments: Ensure workstations or daily setups are shoulder-friendly, minimising strain.