2-Week Rehabilitation Program Post Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Shoulder Bursitis

This program is designed to promote healing, restore range of motion (ROM), and strengthen the shoulder while avoiding activities that may aggravate the condition.

 

General Guidelines

1. Protect the joint: Avoid overhead and heavy lifting during the first week.

2. Pain management: Use ice or heat as needed for discomfort.

3. Progress gradually: Focus on pain-free exercises and avoid overexertion.

4. Monitor symptoms: If pain, swelling, or discomfort increases, consult your healthcare provider.

 

Week 1: Pain Management and Gentle Mobility

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Goals:

• Minimise pain and inflammation

• Restore passive range of motion (PROM)

• Prevent stiffness

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Day 1–3: Rest and Recovery

• Activity:

  • Rest the shoulder; avoid strenuous activities or lifting heavy objects.

  • Use a sling if recommended by your healthcare provider, but limit its use to avoid stiffness.

• Pain Management:

  • Apply ice packs (15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily) to reduce inflammation.

  • Gentle massage around the shoulder to improve circulation (avoid the injection site).

• Passive Range of Motion (PROM):

  • Pendulum Swings: Lean forward slightly, allowing your arm to hang freely. Gently swing your arm in small circles or side-to-side. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Table Slides: Sit or stand at a table. Place a towel under your hand and slide it forward gently to improve shoulder flexion. (10 reps, 2 sets)

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Day 4–7: Initiating Mobility and Stability

• Mobility Exercises:

  • Shoulder Flexion with Stick: Hold a light stick with both hands. Use your non-affected arm to assist in lifting the affected arm forward. (10 reps, 3 sets)

  • External Rotation Stretch: Use a towel or band to gently rotate your arm outward. Keep your elbow close to your side. (10 reps, 3 sets)

• Isometric Strengthening:

  • Isometric Internal Rotation: Press your palm against a wall or doorframe without moving the shoulder. (Hold for 5 seconds, 5 reps)

  • Isometric External Rotation: Press the back of your hand against a wall or doorframe without moving the shoulder. (Hold for 5 seconds, 5 reps)

• Postural Training:

  • Focus on maintaining an upright posture to reduce stress on the shoulder.

 

Week 2: Progressive Mobility and Strengthening

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Goals:

• Improve joint mobility

• Strengthen shoulder and scapular muscles

• Enhance functional movements

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Day 8–10: Active Mobility and Strengthening

• Active Range of Motion (AROM):

  • Wall Crawls: Use your fingers to "crawl" up a wall as far as is comfortable, then slowly lower. (10 reps, 3 sets)

  • Side-Lying External Rotation: Lie on your side with the affected arm on top. Rotate your forearm upward using a light weight or no weight. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Strengthening:

  • Scapular Retraction: Sit or stand and gently squeeze your shoulder blades together. (10 reps, 3 sets)

  • Theraband Rows: Attach a resistance band to a stable surface. Pull the band toward your body, keeping your elbow close to your side. (10 reps, 3 sets)

• Dynamic Stability:

  • Prone T-Y-I Lifts:

    • Lie on your stomach and lift your arms to form a "T," then a "Y," and finally an "I." (5 reps each position, 2 sets)

  • Wall Push-Ups: Perform push-ups against a wall, keeping the movement controlled and pain-free. (10 reps, 3 sets)

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Day 11–14: Functional Strength and Endurance

• Strength and Stability:

  • Overhead Reach with Stick: Use a stick to assist with gentle overhead movements. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Light Dumbbell Press: Perform a shoulder press with very light weights or no weight to build endurance. (5–10 reps, 2 sets)

• Functional Mobility:

  • Farmer's Carry: Hold light dumbbells in each hand and walk for 15–20 seconds, maintaining good posture. (3 sets)

  • Arm Circles: Perform small forward and backward arm circles to engage the shoulder. (10 reps each direction, 2 sets)

• Aerobic Activity:

  • Incorporate light aerobic exercises like walking or using a stationary bike for 15–20 minutes daily to maintain overall fitness.

 

Additional Recommendations

• Pain Management: Transition to heat therapy if stiffness becomes a problem.

• Hydrotherapy: Consider shoulder exercises in warm water to reduce joint stress.

• Ergonomic Adjustments: Make workspace and daily activities shoulder-friendly to minimise strain.