Posterior Shoulder Instability Rehabilitation Program Posterior Shoulder Instability Rehabilitation Program Phase 1 1. Stretch the shoulder, anterior capsule, and rotator cuff, as needed. Perform active external rotation exercises from 0 degrees to full external rotation. As strength improves, progress to free weights with the patient lying prone with arm abducted 90 degrees or side lying with arm at side.
Internal rotation is limited to protect the posterior joint capsule.
Strengthen the general upper extremity within restricted range of shoulder motion to protect the posterior capsule. Phase 2 Continue steps 2 and 3 as needed. Emphasize the eccentric phase of contraction in strengthening the rotator cuff. Add arm ergometry for endurance. Add wall push-ups with shoulders positioned in 80 degrees to 90 degrees of abduction.