Shoulder rehabilitation: Procedure, exercises and return to everyday life, work and sport
What does shoulder rehabilitation mean?
Rehabilitation aims to help patients return to everyday life, work, and sports after a shoulder injury or surgery. It ranges from medical treatment to physiotherapy, physical therapy, and massage, as well as supportive measures such as lymphatic drainage, medication, and social counseling .
The focus shifts over time:
Initially, the focus is on pain relief and restoring joint function .
Afterwards the range of motion is expanded .
Later, targeted muscle strengthening and a return to sporting activities follow.
What is shoulder rehabilitation?
Shoulder rehabilitation encompasses all measures taken after injuries or surgeries to relieve pain, restore mobility, and build muscle. It ranges from physiotherapy and lymphatic drainage to sport-specific training to enable a safe return to everyday life and sports.
Methods of shoulder rehabilitation
Physiotherapy and physical therapy
Through targeted exercises, mobility and stability are gradually regained. Passive mobilization is used initially, followed later by active exercises.
Manual lymphatic drainage
Especially in the first few weeks after surgery or injury, lymphatic drainage can help reduce swelling and accelerate healing.
Classic massage
Massages loosen tense muscles, break up adhesions, and promote circulation. They are particularly effective for pain caused by muscular factors.
Remedies and aids
From cold or heat therapy to lymphatic taping and movement splints (CPM devices), there are many supportive measures that can be individually adapted.
Phases of shoulder rehabilitation
Acute phase (0–3 weeks): Pain relief, reduction of swelling, first cautious movements.
Early phase (3–6 weeks): Improvement of mobility, stretching exercises for the capsule and muscles.
Building phase (6–12 weeks): Strengthening of muscles, training for stability and coordination.
Sport-specific phase (from 3–6 months): Return to complex loads, integration of special exercises.
Special features after operations
After certain procedures, such as rotator cuff repair , certain movements must initially be avoided to avoid jeopardizing the healing process. The right amount of stress is crucial here.
Our doctors and therapists will support you with clear recommendations and an individually tailored treatment plan.
Returning to sport and training
The return to sport will take place gradually :
First, range of motion and basic strength are restored.
The shoulder is then specifically prepared for the demands of the sport .
For sports like tennis, volleyball, or handball, traditional strength training isn't enough. Sport-specific exercises , such as plyometric training with medicine balls, can help.
Plyometric exercises train the stretch-shortening cycles of the muscles and simulate the demands of the sport. They are particularly effective for the posterior shoulder and external rotator muscles because they allow for eccentric loading.
Interdisciplinary support from Prof. Ockert and his team
In Prof. Ockert's practice , physicians, physiotherapists, and specialized massage therapists work closely together. This interprofessional care ensures that all key components are optimally combined:
Manual lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling
Lymphatic tapes as a supportive measure
CPM movement splints for early mobilization
Massage treatments to relax and promote blood circulation
Individually tailored training and exercise plans
Our goal: to bring you back to pain-free mobility and athletic performance .
Risks and challenges
Although shoulder rehabilitation is very successful in most cases, there are potential challenges:
Frozen shoulder due to insufficient movement
Overload due to too rapid increase in load
Muscle imbalances when not all muscle groups are trained evenly
That is why close support from experts is so important.
Prevention after rehabilitation: How to keep your shoulder strong
To ensure long-term freedom from symptoms, we recommend:
Regular rotator cuff strengthening training
Balancing training for neck and back muscles
Ergonomic workplace design
Warming up and stretching before physical activity
Conclusion: Rehabilitation as the key to recovery
A shoulder injury or surgery is stressful – but the good news is: with structured, individual rehabilitation , you can fully regain your mobility, stability and performance .
Whether in everyday life, work or sport: We accompany you on the way back to your former strength and high quality of life.
👉 Make an appointment now – your team at SCHULTER OCKERT will take care of your shoulder health.
FAQs on rehabilitation
Why is rehabilitation after shoulder surgery so important?
Only through targeted exercises can mobility, stability and strength be restored.
When does rehabilitation begin after shoulder surgery?
Often just a few days after surgery with careful passive movements.
Can incorrect rehabilitation jeopardize the outcome of shoulder surgery?
Yes, premature or incorrect loading can disrupt healing. Therefore, close supervision by a physiotherapist is crucial.
How long does shoulder rehab take after surgery?
Depending on the procedure, 3–6 months, or up to 12 months for complex operations.
Is a stay in a rehabilitation clinic or participation in an outpatient rehabilitation program necessary after shoulder surgery?
An inpatient stay in a rehabilitation clinic or participation in outpatient rehabilitation programs is not generally necessary after shoulder surgery. The vast majority of patients achieve excellent treatment results with the support of physical therapy, self-exercises, and daily activities and sports. A stay in a rehabilitation clinic is only advisable in rare, exceptional cases.
PROF. DR. MED BEN OCKERT
Specialist in orthopedics and accident surgery, sports medicine.
