Patient information
Rehabilitation
The Jean-Pierre Liotard (JPL) Technique
There are many techniques for shoulder rehabilitation after surgery. Dr Pant prefers the technique pioneered by the shoulder unit in Lyon, France. There are a few iterations of this technique. This document provides a simplified version of the original technique from Lyon.
The key benefits of the JPL rehabilitation:
- The JPL technique is unique as it allows passive range of motion as guided by you, the patient. There is no requirement for anyone else to move your arm.
- Your 'good' arm does all the work - with your fingers clasped together.
- Initially you will not notice much improvement - there will be gradual improvement over days to weeks.
- Progress to the limit of your pain.
- Some patients may wish to follow this technique under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
Simplified JPL technique:
Stage 0 (0-2 weeks)
- Remain in sling: no shoulder physio
- Can commence elbow/wrist/hand range of motion immediately after surgery
Stage 1 (2-6 weeks)
- Lying down, clasp fingers together and use your 'good' arm to raise the 'bad' arm from your abdomen towards your head
- Now try to raise both arms over your head and hold for 5 seconds
- Complete 5 repetitions, 5 times per day
- Consider doing exercise when you're out of the shower and your shoulder is warm
Stage 2 (6-12 weeks)
- Start sitting in a chair, then progress to standing when comfortable
- Clasp fingers together and place your hands on your head and rest for a few seconds
- Now straighten your elbows and raise your hands above your head and hold for 5 seconds
- Bring your hands back down to your abdomen, with your elbows tucked in to your side take your hands out as wide as you can and hold for 5 seconds.
- Complete 5 repetitions, 5 times per day
Stage 3 (12 weeks onwards)
- Commence strengthening exercises as directed by your physiotherapist
About Dr Pant
Dr Sushil Pant is a leading Australian trained orthopaedic shoulder surgeon. He is the founder and medical director of the Sydney Shoulder Unit; and is a Shoulder Surgeon at Sydney Sports Medicine Centre at Sydney Olympic Park.
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