Shoulder surgery rehab.
Shoulder surgery rehabilitation requires a precise understanding of the procedure performed, the tissues repaired, and the timelines governing safe loading. At Motion Theory, we coordinate directly with your surgical team to deliver protocol-specific care that protects your repair while progressively restoring full shoulder function.
Who It's For
Patients recovering from labral repair (Bankart, SLAP), shoulder stabilization, acromioplasty, AC joint reconstruction, or total shoulder arthroplasty. Applicable to all surgical approaches including open and arthroscopic procedures.
What We Assess
We review the operative report, identify the repair type and protocol, and perform a detailed passive range, scapular function, and neuromuscular assessment. Objective baseline metrics are established to guide progression at each phase transition.
Treatment Approach
Phase one protects the repair with passive motion and sling compliance. Phase two activates the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers progressively. Phase three rebuilds full overhead capacity with sport or occupational specificity.
Recovery Pathway
Repair Protection
Sling compliance, passive range of motion, pain management, and scapular positioning work within surgical precautions.
Active Restoration
Active-assisted and active motion, early rotator cuff and scapular loading with precise tissue-load management.
Strength & Return
Progressive overhead strengthening, neuromuscular control, and sport or occupational demand integration with clearance criteria.
Clinic Location & Access
Located at 1367 West Broadway in Vancouver, Motion Theory is situated in the Fairview medical corridor, in close proximity to Vancouver General Hospital (VGH). We serve patients from Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and the broader Metro Vancouver area.
Common Questions
Do I need a referral to see you post-surgery?
No referral is required to begin physiotherapy. Ideally your surgeon will provide a post-operative protocol, but we can request this directly if needed.
When can I return to overhead sports?
Return to overhead sport typically ranges from 6 to 12 months depending on procedure. We use objective return-to-sport criteria to determine readiness safely.
Can physiotherapy prevent re-injury after shoulder surgery?
Yes. The majority of re-tears and re-instabilities following shoulder surgery are associated with inadequate rehabilitation, specifically insufficient progressive loading before return to demand.
Related Services
Registered Clinicians
All practitioners are registered with their respective provincial colleges in British Columbia.
Evidence-Based
Treatment protocols are grounded in current peer-reviewed literature and clinical guidelines.
Direct Billing
Available for ICBC claims and most major extended health benefit providers.