The first few therapy treatments will focus on controlling the pain and swelling from surgery. Ice and electrical stimulation treatments may help. Your therapist may also use massage and other types of hands-on treatments to ease muscle spasm and pain. Therapy after Bankart surgery proceeds slowly. The program gradually works into active stretching and strengthening.
Therapy goes even slower after surgeries where the front shoulder muscles have been cut.
Exercises begin with passive movements. In passive exercises, your shoulder joint is moved, but your muscles stay relaxed. Your therapist gently moves your joint and gradually stretches your arm. You may be taught how to do passive exercises at home. Active therapy starts three to four weeks after surgery.