They can usually return to competition within three months. After surgery to repair the labrum, therapists usually begin with passive exercises. In passive exercises, the shoulder joint is moved, but your muscles stay relaxed. Your therapist gently moves your joint and gradually stretches your arm. You may also be taught how to do passive exercises at home.
Active therapy starts about six weeks after repair surgery.
Light isometric strengthening exercises are started about this time. These exercises work the muscles without straining the healing joint. By about the tenth week, you will start more active strengthening. These exercises focus on improving strength and control of the rotator cuff muscles. They help tighten the ball of the humerus in the glenoid socket and can improve the stability of the shoulder.