ORIF Proximal Humerus Rehabilitation Program Instructions:
- Don’t lift anything heavier than a cup of coffee for the first 6 weeks after surgery.
- It is best to space the exercise sessions out throughout the day, every 2-3 hours, to keep the flexibility during this important time of healing.
- Do not use the operated arm to push oneself out of bed or out of a chair.
- If you have problems with the unoperated shoulder too, exercise #3 may be substituted for exercise #1.
- You only need to wear your sling during the first two weeks when in public to remind others you have had surgery.
- Keep the incision dry for 7 days; cover it with saran wrap in the shower for the first week if necessary. Do not submerge in a bathtub for one month.
Shoulder Flexion
- Lie on your back as shown, clasping your hands together.
- Raise both hands over head so that you feel a stretch. Your operated arm should be totally relaxed.
- Hold 10-30 seconds.
- 3-5 repetitions, 5 times per day.
Goal: 40 degrees of motion outwards.
Shoulder Flexion with a Pulley
- Sit in a chair with pulley assembled as shown.
- Raise the operated arm overhead pulling down on the pulley with the other hand for assistance so that you feel a stretch.
- Hold 10-30 seconds.
- 3-5 repetitions 5 times per day.