Post-operative rehabilitation following posterior superior labral repair to improve shoulder function in a manual labourer: a case study

Abstract

This case study presents the post-operative physiotherapy rehabilitation of a 28-year-old male bike mechanic following arthroscopic repair of a type III superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) lesion in the right shoulder. The rehabilitation program focused on restoring shoulder mobility, strength, and functional stability through a structured, phase-wise physiotherapy approach including passive and active-assisted range of motion exercises, neuromuscular stimulation, scapular stabilization, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, and progressive strengthening. Over an eight-week period, the patient demonstrated significant improvements in pain, range of motion, and muscular strength, with the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score improving from 82% to 14%, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) shoulder rating scale from 14/35 to 31/35, and pain on the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) reducing from 9/10 to 2/10. The patient achieved full return to work without restrictions. This case highlights the importance of early, structured, and individualized physiotherapy intervention in optimizing post-surgical outcomes and restoring functional independence following superior labral repair.