Arthroscopic distal clavicle resection
Rehabilitation programme following arthroscopic distal clavicle resection.
Typical timeframe: Return to manual work from ~4 months
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Phase 01 · Weeks 0 – 6
0 – 6 weeks
- Wear sling when walking or travelling.
- Remove sling for paperwork, computer, eating with arm/elbow supported on a table.
Phase 02 · Week 1
Week 1
- Pendulum exercises.
- Active elbow and wrist exercises (unless biceps surgery is performed).
- Passive shoulder forward elevation 0 – 90° supine.
- Continue intensive scapular setting and posture program.
- Continue intensive static humeral head depressor and adductor program.
Phase 03 · Weeks 2 – 6
Weeks 2 – 6
- Continue passive-assist forward elevation; aim for 180° by week 6.
- Gentle passive external rotation, aiming for 100% by week 6.
- Introduce active-assisted movements of elevation, external and internal rotation, beginning supine then against gravity 6 – 8 weeks.
- Continue range-of-motion programme for elevation, external and internal rotation with terminal stretching.
- Remove sling for increasing periods through the day as tolerated, eventually discarding it when comfortable at 4 – 6 weeks.
Phase 04 · Weeks 6 – 16
6 – 16 weeks (after surgeon review)
- Progress to advanced stretching and strengthening programmes gradually as tolerated by the patient.
- Breaststroke swimming, 20 minutes 3 – 4 times weekly.
- Gradually increase overhead use of the arm.
- Avoid repetitive overhead use of the arm.
Phase 05
Driving and return to work
- May drive if comfortable and safe.
- Return to sedentary work between 1 – 2 weeks as comfortable.
- Return to manual work at 4 months, dependent on return of movement and strength.
Last reviewed: 2025-10-15.
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Have questions about your recovery?
Every patient is different. If you would like a tailored plan or need to clarify any of these instructions, book an appointment with the East Coast Orthopaedic Physiotherapy team.
General guide only. These resources are intended as a general guide. Please follow the instructions of your treating surgeon and physiotherapist — your individual recovery plan may differ.