Patient Education

The Steadman Clinic, Keeping People Active





Non-Operative Recovery

Recovery from MDI (Multidirectional Instability) is a long process that usually requires a six-month physical therapy rehabilitation program. If this succeeds, an ongoing maintenance program to prevent the return of instability symptoms is often necessary. If six months of physical therapy has not controlled the instability, surgery may be indicated.

Operative Recovery

Following surgery:
  • For the first 4 to 6 weeks, the patient usually wears a sling to protect the repair as it heals.

  • During this time of immobilization, elbow and wrist motion are maintained with gentle range of motion exercises.

  • Once the initial healing process is complete, the patient begins a very slow and progressive physical therapy rehabilitation program to restore motion and eventually strengthen the shoulder.

  • Patients who have had open surgical procedures are put on an exercise program designed to protect the subscapularis muscle from injury. (This muscle was detached during the procedure to give the surgeon access to the joint capsule and then reattached at the end of the procedure.)

  • Patients who undergo an arthroscopic thermal stabilization treatment require a longer period of immobilization (often up to 8 weeks) to allow scar tissue to replace the thermally treated tissue. This scar tissue formation is essential to the success of this procedure, as the thermally treated tissue is at risk of stretching.

  • Full participation in sports is generally restricted for 9 to 12 months following a repair.

© 2005 by LeadingMD, Inc. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer

Clinic News

Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez underwent microfracture surgery and meniscus repair recently with Dr. Richard Steadman

January 30, 2012
Read More

Dr. Marc Philippon Performed Hip Surgery on So You Think You Can Dance Season 6 Finalist Ashley Di Lello

January 19, 2012
Read More

Dr. Richard Steadman Planned to Meet with Detroit Tigers' Slugger Victor Martinez to Discuss Knee Injury

January 17, 2012
Read More

LPGA Golfer Diana D' Alessio Plans to Join the LPGA Tour After Hip Surgery with Dr. Marc Philippon

January 13, 2012
Read More

Dr. Tom Hackett From The Steadman Clinic Explains The 22-foot Superpipe Following Sarah Burke's Accident

January 13, 2012
Read More

Dr. Hackett Discusses Freeskier Sarah Burke's Accident and The Risk of Extreme Sports

January 11, 2012
Read More

The Steadman Clinic is a BBB Accredited Business. Click for the BBB Business Review of this Physicians & Surgeons - Orthopedic Surgery in Vail CO Vail: (970) 476-1100Frisco: (970) 668-6760

Office Hours at All Locations: Monday-Friday 8am - 5pm