This section applies to all patients.
No NSAIDS such as Advil, Motrin, ibuprofen, Naprosyn, and Aleve x 2 weeks.
Pain: Tylenol for mild pain and if needed use mild narcotic provided.
Bracing: If recommended, use sling during sleep the first 2 nights if able. Sleep is more important so if you cannot sleep and use the sling, feel free to remove it.
Driving restrictions: No driving until you can safely shift and steer the vehicle and safely look over your shoulder.
Work restrictions: Depends on duration of lifting restrictions.
Exercise restrictions: 2 weeks relative rest then 4 weeks progressive PT.
The following may not apply to all patients. Your provider will complete this section, depending on your needs.
☐ Use soft collar for ____days, coming out for range of motion (without deep stretch) twice daily
☐ Avoid Rotation and Extension (looking up) and side bending at the neck for 2 days.
☐ Begin active stretching of scalene and trap by day 3 post injection
☐ NO ACTIVE lifting with arms above shoulder height x 3 days; may do PASSIVE RANGE OF
☐ MOTION with shoulder and neck after day 2
☐ Sleep with cervical neck support lying on back as much as possible for 3-5 days.
☐ f/u for PT in 4-7 days
Activities: In general, with all exercise and activities, keep pain level below 4/10.
First 2 Weeks:
Strengthening/Motion: Isometrics and range of motion are good for muscles and pain control. PT will help with range of motion and home exercise plan.
Walking: No restrictions.
Cycling: May do gentle ride on stationary bike for 10-15 minutes without looking up, such as at a TV screen, then 30 minutes after week 1.
Swimming: No swimming for the first 2 weeks.
Throwing/rock climbing/tennis: None of these the first 2 weeks.
Weeks 2-4:
Strengthening/Motion: Start gentle low load concentric/eccentrics with PT. Work on progressive motion and strengthening of shoulder and thoracic spine.
Cycling: No restrictions except would stay on exercise bike until 4 weeks.
Swimming: May begin gentle kicking and pool walking.
Throwing/rock climbing/tennis: No rock climbing until after 6 weeks. Throwing can begin at 4 weeks
Weeks 4-6:
Strengthening/Motion: Progress to moderate loading and progressive strengthening. Work on maintaining or regaining full range of motion by 4-6 weeks.
Cycling: May do gentle road biking and trail biking; avoid mtn biking until 6 weeks.
Swimming: May try some gentle breaststroke for a few laps. Use buoy for rest.
Throwing/rock climbing: Can begin some pre-climbing/throwing exercises with PT. Anticipate return to gentle climbing and return to throwing program at 6 weeks.