Bankart Repair Protocol

Name: Bankart Repair Protocol
Creator: HEP Drop

Bankart repair rehab protocol after arthroscopic anterior labral repair (anterior shoulder stabilization), by week to 12 months: sling, external rotation targets, phases and criteria, return-to-sport tests, with remplissage and Latarjet options, cited sources and a free printable PDF.

By HEP Drop staff · Reviewed by a licensed physical therapist, Nov 2026 · Version 2026.11 · 26 sources · How we write protocols

Written for arthroscopic Bankart repair, with or without capsular plication. After open Bankart repair with the subscapularis detached, protect the subscapularis for 4 to 6 weeks (no resisted IR)^[21]; no open study gives open repair its own plan.

At a glance (Arthroscopic Bankart repair): sling about 4 wk · ER targets 30°, 50°, 65°, full at wk 3, 6, 9, 12 · no ER at 90° abduction before wk 6 · isometrics wk 3 · bands wk 6 · running wk 10–12 · return to sport from 4–6 mo. Criteria-based.

Timeline

Show protocol for: Arthroscopic Bankart repair Latarjet + Remplissage

Currently showing: Arthroscopic Bankart repair · Version 2026.11

Timeline, weeks 0–52 after surgery. Select any bar for details. Key dates are also in the key milestones table.

Phase

Motion

Strength

Restrictions

Milestones

Phase 1 · Protection

wk 0–6

Goals

Protect the repair; sling about 4 weeks^{[2, 1]}
Passive motion toward the ASSET targets: ER 30° and elevation 90° by wk 3, ER 50° and elevation 135° by wk 6^[2]
Pain control and scapular setting^[11]

Allowed

Pendulums, PROM and AAROM toward the targets, not past them^[2]
Active elbow, wrist and hand motion from day 1^[2]
From wk 3: submaximal pain-free isometrics with the arm at the side, plus scapular work^{[6, 12]}
Walking for conditioning (practice-based)

Avoid

ER at 90° abduction (until wk 6)^[6]
Bench press, flys, dips or overhead pressing (practice-based) (until wk 12)
Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based)

Advance to Phase 2 when

Week 6 motion targets met: passive ER about 50°, elevation about 135°^[2] (yes/no check)
Pain controlled^[11] (yes/no check)
Out of the sling, per the surgeon (practice-based; yes/no check)

Exercises

Pendulums (Codman's)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →

Supine Shoulder Flexion AAROM with Self-Assist, start

Supine Shoulder Flexion AAROM with Self-Assist, finish

Supine Shoulder Flexion AAROM with Self-Assist2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →

Supine Cane External Rotation2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →

Table Slides2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →

Elbow AROM (Flexion/Extension)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →

Wrist AROM (Flexion/Extension)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →

Ball Squeeze (Grip)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →

Scapular Retraction in Sling2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)See it in HEP Drop →

Walking Programper program

Isometric Shoulder External Rotation, start

Isometric Shoulder External Rotation, finish

Isometric Shoulder External Rotation5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3See it in HEP Drop →

Isometric Shoulder Internal Rotation, start

Isometric Shoulder Internal Rotation, finish

Isometric Shoulder Internal Rotation5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3See it in HEP Drop →

Isometric Shoulder Flexion5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3See it in HEP Drop →

Isometric Shoulder Extension5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3See it in HEP Drop →

Isometric Shoulder Abduction5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3See it in HEP Drop →

Scapular Retraction (Squeezes)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3See it in HEP Drop →

How protocols differ: Compared protocols range from passive motion from day 1^{[21, 22]} to no shoulder motion for the first 2–3 weeks^[23].

Create HEP for Phase 1 →Match the surgeon's protocol →Opens HEP Drop · Free during early access

Key milestones by week

How this protocol compares with published Bankart repair protocols, on a shared week scale. Criteria-based: advance only when each phase's criteria are met.

Want the patient's dates here? (or weeks post-op).

This protocol vs published protocols · Arthroscopic Bankart repair
Milestone	This protocol	0816243252 wk Range in published protocols	Published range
Sling off	wk 4		3–6 wk^{[2, 1, 4]}mean 4.8 wk in 30 protocols

Range in published protocolsMost commonThis protocol

All phases

⬇ Download PDFDownload PDF / Print protocol: your clinician copy, no email needed. Create HEP: a patient handout in HEP Drop with that phase's exercises prefilled. Opens HEP Drop · Free during early access.

Phase 1 · Protection

wk 0–6Create HEP for Phase 1 →

Allowed

Pendulums, PROM and AAROM toward the targets, not past them^[2]
Active elbow, wrist and hand motion from day 1^[2]
From wk 3: submaximal pain-free isometrics with the arm at the side, plus scapular work^{[6, 12]}
Walking for conditioning (practice-based)

Avoid

ER at 90° abduction (until wk 6)^[6]
Bench press, flys, dips or overhead pressing (practice-based) (until wk 12)
Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based)

Exercises

Pendulums (Codman's)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Supine Shoulder Flexion AAROM with Self-Assist2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Supine Cane External Rotation2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Table Slides2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Elbow AROM (Flexion/Extension)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Wrist AROM (Flexion/Extension)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Ball Squeeze (Grip)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Scapular Retraction in Sling2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Walking Programper program

Isometric Shoulder External Rotation5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3

Isometric Shoulder Internal Rotation5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3

Isometric Shoulder Flexion5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3

Isometric Shoulder Extension5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3

Isometric Shoulder Abduction5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3

Scapular Retraction (Squeezes)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3

Advance to Phase 2 when

Week 6 motion targets met: passive ER about 50°, elevation about 135°^[2] (yes/no check)
Pain controlled^[11] (yes/no check)
Out of the sling, per the surgeon (practice-based; yes/no check)

Phase 2 · Motion and early strength

wk 6–12Create HEP for Phase 2 →

Allowed

Active motion; ER at 90° abduction gently from wk 6^[6]
Light band ER and IR at 0° abduction, rows and extensions^{[12, 10]}
Running from about wk 10–12, with no apprehension and good cuff strength at the side (practice-based)

Avoid

Bench press, flys, dips or overhead pressing (practice-based) (until wk 12)
End-range 90/90 ER stretching (throwers, overhead athletes; clinical judgment) (until wk 12)
Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based)

Exercises

Standing Band External Rotation2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Standing Band Internal Rotation2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Band Rows2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Prone Shoulder Extension2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Supine Serratus Punch2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Supine Shoulder Flexion (AROM)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Shoulder Scaption2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Wall/Counter Push-Up2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Ball Roll on Table (Shoulder Flexion)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Advance to Phase 3 when

Full passive motion^[2] (yes/no check)
Full active elevation without shrug^{[2, 11]} (yes/no check)
Pain-free band work^[11] (yes/no check)

Phase 3 · Strength

wk 12–16A positive apprehension test, a subluxation or a dislocation: refer back to the surgeon (clinical judgment).Create HEP for Phase 3 →

Allowed

Resisted 90/90 work, once full motion and scapular control are back^[6]
End-range 90/90 ER stretching for throwers and overhead athletes (clinical judgment)

Avoid

Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based)
Full-depth or wide-grip bench until about 6 months (practice-based)

Exercises

Push-Up Plus (on Knees)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Quadruped Alternate Arm Lift2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Prone T with Swiss Ball2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Wall Ball Taps (Half Arc)2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Serratus Foam Roller Wall Slide2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Cross-Body Stretch2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Advance to Phase 4 when

ER and IR strength ≥ 80% of the other side (from a Latarjet commentary^[7]; clinical judgment for Bankart) test: ER/IR strength
No apprehension^[1] (yes/no check) test: Apprehension

Phase 4 · Return to activity

wk 16–26A positive apprehension test, a subluxation or a dislocation: refer back to the surgeon (clinical judgment).Not returning to sport: discharge once motion is full and functional, ER and IR strength is at least 90% of the other side, WOSI is over 90% and the home program is independent (clinical judgment).Create HEP for Phase 4 →

Allowed

Plyometrics, two hands then one^{[6, 7]}
Weight room from about wk 16: modified dumbbell bench (limited depth, no wide grip) and light overhead dumbbell work (practice-based)
Narrow-grip barbell bench with limited depth from about wk 20 (practice-based)
Non-contact sport from about 4 months, once the criteria are met^[1]

Avoid

Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based)
Contact sport before the criteria are met (until 6 months)^[12]

Exercises

Scaption with Dumbbell2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Push-Up Plus2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Plyo Ball Toss2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Advance to Phase 5 when

Cleared by the surgeon^[1]
Full pain-free motion and a negative apprehension test^{[1, 5]} (yes/no check) test: Apprehension
ER and IR strength ≥ 90% of the other side, handheld dynamometer^{[5, 9]} test: ER/IR strength
CKCUEST 21 touches or more^{[5, 9, 10]} (yes/no check) test: CKCUEST
Upper Quarter Y-Balance within 10% of the other side^{[9, 5]} test: UQ Y-Balance
WOSI over 90% (percent of normal, higher is better)^{[9, 8]} or SIRSI over 56^[13] (yes/no check) tests: WOSI, SIRSI

Phase 5 · Return to sport

wk 26–52A positive apprehension test, a subluxation or a dislocation: refer back to the surgeon (clinical judgment).Create HEP for Phase 5 →

Allowed

Full-depth bench and heavier overhead lifting, once the return-to-sport criteria are met (practice-based)
Interval throwing to full distance^[8]

Avoid

Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based)

Exercises

Interval Throwing Programper program

Plyo Ball Toss2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)

Discharge from PT when

Return to contact or overhead sport when

Cleared by the surgeon^[1]
Full pain-free motion and a negative apprehension test^{[1, 5]} (yes/no check) test: Apprehension
ER and IR strength ≥ 90% of the other side, handheld dynamometer^{[5, 9]} test: ER/IR strength
CKCUEST 21 touches or more^{[5, 9, 10]} (yes/no check) test: CKCUEST
Upper Quarter Y-Balance within 10% of the other side^{[9, 5]} test: UQ Y-Balance
WOSI over 90% (percent of normal, higher is better)^{[9, 8]} or SIRSI over 56^[13] (yes/no check) tests: WOSI, SIRSI

Phase	Allowed	Avoid	Exercises	Advance / discharge when
Phase 1 · Protection wk 0–6	Pendulums, PROM and AAROM toward the targets, not past them^[2] Active elbow, wrist and hand motion from day 1^[2] From wk 3: submaximal pain-free isometrics with the arm at the side, plus scapular work^{[6, 12]} Walking for conditioning (practice-based)	ER at 90° abduction (until wk 6)^[6] Bench press, flys, dips or overhead pressing (practice-based) (until wk 12) Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based)	Pendulums (Codman's) 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Supine Shoulder Flexion AAROM with Self-Assist 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Supine Cane External Rotation 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Table Slides 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Elbow AROM (Flexion/Extension) 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Wrist AROM (Flexion/Extension) 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Ball Squeeze (Grip) 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Scapular Retraction in Sling 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Walking Program per program Isometric Shoulder External Rotation 5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3 Isometric Shoulder Internal Rotation 5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3 Isometric Shoulder Flexion 5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3 Isometric Shoulder Extension 5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3 Isometric Shoulder Abduction 5–10 s holds, submaximal, pain-free (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3 Scapular Retraction (Squeezes) 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) · from wk 3	Week 6 motion targets met: passive ER about 50°, elevation about 135°^[2] (yes/no check) Pain controlled^[11] (yes/no check) Out of the sling, per the surgeon (practice-based; yes/no check)
Phase 2 · Motion and early strength wk 6–12	Active motion; ER at 90° abduction gently from wk 6^[6] Light band ER and IR at 0° abduction, rows and extensions^{[12, 10]} Running from about wk 10–12, with no apprehension and good cuff strength at the side (practice-based)	Bench press, flys, dips or overhead pressing (practice-based) (until wk 12) End-range 90/90 ER stretching (throwers, overhead athletes; clinical judgment) (until wk 12) Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based)	Standing Band External Rotation 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Standing Band Internal Rotation 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Band Rows 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Prone Shoulder Extension 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Supine Serratus Punch 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Supine Shoulder Flexion (AROM) 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Shoulder Scaption 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Wall/Counter Push-Up 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Ball Roll on Table (Shoulder Flexion) 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)	Full passive motion^[2] (yes/no check) Full active elevation without shrug^{[2, 11]} (yes/no check) Pain-free band work^[11] (yes/no check)
Phase 3 · Strength wk 12–16	Resisted 90/90 work, once full motion and scapular control are back^[6] End-range 90/90 ER stretching for throwers and overhead athletes (clinical judgment) From Phase 3 on, a positive apprehension test, a subluxation or a dislocation: refer back to the surgeon (clinical judgment).	Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based) Full-depth or wide-grip bench until about 6 months (practice-based)	Push-Up Plus (on Knees) 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Quadruped Alternate Arm Lift 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Prone T with Swiss Ball 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Wall Ball Taps (Half Arc) 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Serratus Foam Roller Wall Slide 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Cross-Body Stretch 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)	ER and IR strength ≥ 80% of the other side (from a Latarjet commentary^[7]; clinical judgment for Bankart) test: ER/IR strength No apprehension^[1] (yes/no check) test: Apprehension
Phase 4 · Return to activity wk 16–26	Plyometrics, two hands then one^{[6, 7]} Weight room from about wk 16: modified dumbbell bench (limited depth, no wide grip) and light overhead dumbbell work (practice-based) Narrow-grip barbell bench with limited depth from about wk 20 (practice-based) Non-contact sport from about 4 months, once the criteria are met^[1] Not returning to sport: discharge once motion is full and functional, ER and IR strength is at least 90% of the other side, WOSI is over 90% and the home program is independent (clinical judgment).	Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based) Contact sport before the criteria are met (until 6 months)^[12]	Scaption with Dumbbell 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Push-Up Plus 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default) Plyo Ball Toss 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)	Cleared by the surgeon^[1] Full pain-free motion and a negative apprehension test^{[1, 5]} (yes/no check) test: Apprehension ER and IR strength ≥ 90% of the other side, handheld dynamometer^{[5, 9]} test: ER/IR strength CKCUEST 21 touches or more^{[5, 9, 10]} (yes/no check) test: CKCUEST Upper Quarter Y-Balance within 10% of the other side^{[9, 5]} test: UQ Y-Balance WOSI over 90% (percent of normal, higher is better)^{[9, 8]} or SIRSI over 56^[13] (yes/no check) tests: WOSI, SIRSI
Phase 5 · Return to sport wk 26–52	Full-depth bench and heavier overhead lifting, once the return-to-sport criteria are met (practice-based) Interval throwing to full distance^[8]	Behind-the-head pressing or pulldowns, at any stage, even once cleared for sport (practice-based)	Interval Throwing Program per program Plyo Ball Toss 2–3 × 10–15 (sets/reps: our default)	Discharge from PT: Return to contact or overhead sport: Cleared by the surgeon^[1] Full pain-free motion and a negative apprehension test^{[1, 5]} (yes/no check) test: Apprehension ER and IR strength ≥ 90% of the other side, handheld dynamometer^{[5, 9]} test: ER/IR strength CKCUEST 21 touches or more^{[5, 9, 10]} (yes/no check) test: CKCUEST Upper Quarter Y-Balance within 10% of the other side^{[9, 5]} test: UQ Y-Balance WOSI over 90% (percent of normal, higher is better)^{[9, 8]} or SIRSI over 56^[13] (yes/no check) tests: WOSI, SIRSI

How published protocols differ

Published protocols agree on a short sling and criteria for sport, and differ most on how fast external rotation comes back and when sport starts.

Decision points across published protocols (facts in our words, each linked to its source).
Decision point	This protocol	Sanford Health^[21]source ↗ · rev. Feb 2026 · checked Nov 2026	UW Health^[22]source ↗ · © 2025 · checked Nov 2026	Lahey Hospital & Medical Center^[23]source ↗ · Dec 2019 · checked Nov 2026
Sling	about 4 wk, worn while sleeping	4–6 wk, at all times until the physician stops it	3–4 wk; off in safe settings in wk 4	At all times; wean at 4 wk
ER limit, first 6 weeks	Targets 30° by wk 3, 50° by wk 6	0–10° by wk 2, 15–20° by wk 4, 50–55° by wk 6 (scapular plane)	To neutral through wk 6	0° at the side wk 3–6 (30° in the scapular plane)
ER at 90° abduction	None before wk 6; typically full by about wk 12	From wk 4; full (90–100°) by wk 10	None for 6 wk; 90° or more to leave Phase III (about wk 15)	45° in wk 6–12; resisted 90/90 from wk 12
Resisted cuff work starts	wk 6 (light bands at 0° abduction)	Light cuff below shoulder height wk 7–8; bands wk 8	At 0–45° abduction from wk 6	From wk 6
Running	About wk 10–12 (practice-based)	Not stated	About wk 10–11, once Phase II criteria are met	Not stated
Return to sport	Non-contact about 4 mo; contact 6 mo; throwers compete about 7–9 mo	6 mo or more; testing at 4–6 mo	Phase V, usually from about wk 20	Not stated (ends at wk 24)
Return-to-sport tests	Apprehension, ER/IR ≥ 90%, CKCUEST ≥ 21, UQ Y-Balance within 10%, WOSI or SIRSI	Throwing to 180 ft pain-free; ER/IR ratio over 80%; a test battery	100% of the other side on grip, isokinetic and ASH tests; contact athletes also CKCUEST	Physician only; no tests
Remplissage covered?	Yes (add-on)	No	In its Latarjet guideline only	No

Different numbers from the surgeon?

Match the surgeon's protocol →

Opens HEP Drop · Free during early access

Each value is a fact in our words, linked to its source with the version and the date we checked it. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the institutions listed.

Tests and measures

Return-to-sport tests are compared with the other side. These are typical criteria: widely proposed and rarely used, and whether they lower redislocation is not settled^{[5, 9]}.

Tests and measures, Arthroscopic Bankart repair
Test	Phase 1 exit	Phase 3 exit	Phase 4 exit · non-contact sport · return to contact or overhead sport
Anterior apprehension test (negative)		no apprehension	full pain-free motion, negative apprehension
Whether the anterior apprehension test brings on apprehension. Negative means no apprehension; a stable shoulder with a negative apprehension test is the first ESSKA-ESA return-to-sport criterion^[1]
ER and IR strength, handheld dynamometer, at 0° and 90° abduction		≥ 80%	≥ 90%
External and internal rotation strength of the operated shoulder as a share of the other side (limb symmetry index). Handheld dynamometer at 0° and at 90° of abduction; operated ÷ other side × 100^{[5, 9, 10]}
Closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test (CKCUEST)			CKCUEST ≥21 touches
Upper-limb stability and speed in a closed kinetic chain: hand touches in a set time. Count of touches in 15 seconds; the pass mark is a count^{[5, 8, 9, 10]}
Upper Quarter Y-Balance test, composite, compared with the other side			≥ 90%
Upper Quarter Y-Balance composite reach of the operated arm as a share of the other arm. Composite reach score; operated ÷ other side × 100^{[5, 9]}
Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI)			WOSI >90% or SIRSI >56
Self-reported shoulder instability symptoms and function. Read here as percent of normal (higher is better), the scoring the return-to-sport sources use. On the normalized 0 to 100 score lower is better: minimal important change 12.8 and acceptable symptom state 40.2 at 2 years after arthroscopic stabilization; smallest detectable change 23% of the raw total^{[8, 9, 18, 19]} Copyrighted instrument: named and linked, never reproduced. About the instrument ↗
Shoulder Instability Return to Sport after Injury (SIRSI)			WOSI >90% or SIRSI >56
Psychological readiness to return to sport after shoulder instability. Self-reported; a higher score before a Latarjet went with return to play by 8 months^{[13, 20]} Copyrighted instrument: named and linked, never reproduced. About the instrument ↗
Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic shoulder and elbow score (KJOC)	Tracked, not a gate
Self-reported shoulder and elbow function in overhead and throwing athletes. Tracked, not a gate; under 90 (baseball) or under 88 (other sports) marks higher injury risk^[9] Copyrighted instrument: named and linked, never reproduced. About the instrument ↗

Each pass mark is this protocol's clinical call, cited to its sources. Questionnaires are named and linked, never reproduced.

References and basis

Reviewed by a licensed physical therapist (HEP Drop staff)Page reviewed Nov 2026Literature checked through Nov 2026Protocols checked Nov 2026Version 2026.11 · changelogHow we write protocols

What backs each recommendation

Our summary, in our own words, of what each source supports. "Strongest evidence" is the study design as published; a review that pools only cadaver studies is listed as a lab study. "Limited evidence" means no randomized trial or systematic review of patient studies is among that row's sources; we do not grade our own recommendations.

What backs each recommendation, Arthroscopic Bankart repair
Recommendation	This protocol	Based on	Strongest evidence	What's uncertain
Phase 1 · Protection · wk 0–6
Sling	about 4 wk, worn while sleeping	[2] DeFroda 2018 [4] Freehill 2023 [1] Alentorn-Geli 2026	Consensus Limited evidence	Protocols use 3 to 6 weeks; the only randomized trial of rehab after Bankart repair, seen through a review, found the same recurrence with faster motion after accelerated rehab^[2].
ER and elevation targets	ER 30°, 50°, 65°, full at wk 3, 6, 9, 12 (targets, not caps)	[2] DeFroda 2018 [6] Ma 2017	Narrative review Limited evidence	Early ER limits differ widely, from neutral for 2 weeks^[1] to half of pre-operative ER^[11]; the ASSET goals are seen only as reproduced in a review^[2].
Phase 2 · Motion and early strength · wk 6–12
Resisted cuff work	isometrics wk 3, bands wk 6, 90/90 wk 12	[12] Amako 2017 [10] Kelley 2022 [1] Alentorn-Geli 2026 [6] Ma 2017	Cohort study Limited evidence	Starts range from bands at 4 weeks^[12] to strengthening at 8–12 weeks^{[1, 10]}; no trial compares them.
Running, weight room and end-range ER (practice-based)	running wk 10–12; weight room steps wk 12, 16, 20, 26; end-range 90/90 ER stretching from wk 12	[2] DeFroda 2018	Protocol survey Limited evidence	The open literature gives no week for running, overhead pressing or end-range ER stretching after a Bankart repair; bench press came at a mean of 18 weeks in academic protocols^[2]. These lines follow compared protocols^{[21, 22, 23]}.
Phase 5 · Return to sport · wk 26–52
Return to sport	non-contact about 4 mo; contact 6 mo; throwers compete about 7–9 mo	[1] Alentorn-Geli 2026 [12] Amako 2017 [6] Ma 2017 [5] Högberg 2026 [9] Otley 2022	Cohort study Limited evidence	Criteria are widely proposed and rarely used, and whether they lower recurrence is inconclusive^{[5, 9]}.
Modifiers
Latarjet	conjoint and subscapularis rules wk 0–6; ER ≤ 30° to wk 3; return from about 4 moProcedure	[1] Alentorn-Geli 2026 [7] Bradley 2021 [16] Ernstbrunner 2022 [20] Bohu 2021	Cohort study Limited evidence	Latarjet rehab rests on a commentary and a consensus^{[7, 1]}; 73% of 217 patients were back to their main sport by 8 months^[20]. No source gives a fixed week for bone-block union.
Remplissage add-on	no resisted ER to wk 6; IR stretching gentle to wk 8; no heavy posterior cuff to wk 12Remplissage toggle	[3] Villarreal-Espinosa 2024 [14] Frantz 2020 [15] Tansey 2025	Systematic review	89 to 100% of comparative studies used the plain Bankart plan for remplissage too^[3]. Early ER stiffness is common after remplissage: at 6 months, 26% had an ER deficit of 20° or more at the side and 42% at 90° abduction^[14]; at 5 years or more, ER at 90° abduction matched pre-operative values^[15].

Where evidence is limited

Sling: Protocols use 3 to 6 weeks; the only randomized trial of rehab after Bankart repair, seen through a review, found the same recurrence with faster motion after accelerated rehab^[2].
ER and elevation targets: Early ER limits differ widely, from neutral for 2 weeks^[1] to half of pre-operative ER^[11]; the ASSET goals are seen only as reproduced in a review^[2].
Resisted cuff work: Starts range from bands at 4 weeks^[12] to strengthening at 8–12 weeks^{[1, 10]}; no trial compares them.
Running, weight room and end-range ER (practice-based): The open literature gives no week for running, overhead pressing or end-range ER stretching after a Bankart repair; bench press came at a mean of 18 weeks in academic protocols^[2]. These lines follow compared protocols^{[21, 22, 23]}.
Return to sport: Criteria are widely proposed and rarely used, and whether they lower recurrence is inconclusive^{[5, 9]}.
Latarjet: Latarjet rehab rests on a commentary and a consensus^{[7, 1]}; 73% of 217 patients were back to their main sport by 8 months^[20]. No source gives a fixed week for bone-block union.

Bibliography

1.Alentorn-Geli E, Brilakis E, Ângelo AC, et al. Age- and time-specific management of traumatic anterior shoulder instability: The 2024 ESSKA-ESA Formal Consensus. Part 2: Treatment and return to sports. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2026;34(8):3040–3051.
Consensus statement (ESSKA-ESA 2024 formal consensus, Part 2: treatment, rehabilitation and return to sport) · PMC13418412 (free full text) · doi:10.1002/ksa.70497 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Sling · Resisted cuff work · Return to sport · Latarjet · Phase details and return to sport
2.DeFroda SF, Mehta N, Owens BD. Physical Therapy Protocols for Arthroscopic Bankart Repair. Sports Health. 2018;10(3):250–258.
Protocol survey (30 online academic protocols for arthroscopic Bankart repair; summarizes the ASSET consensus) · PMC5958453 (free full text) · doi:10.1177/1941738117750553 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Sling · ER and elevation targets · Running, weight room and end-range ER (practice-based) · Motion targets (ASSET, as reproduced) · Phase details
3.Villarreal-Espinosa JB, Reinold MM, Khak M, et al. Rehabilitation Protocol Variability Following Arthroscopic Bankart Repair and Remplissage for Management of Anterior Shoulder Instability: A Systematic Review. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2024;19(10):1172–1187.
Systematic review (rehab protocols in 41 studies of Bankart repair with remplissage) · PMC11446737 (free full text) · doi:10.26603/001c.123481 · CC BY-NC 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: Remplissage add-on
4.Freehill MT, Murray IR, Calvo E, et al. Shoulder Surgery Postoperative Immobilization: An International Survey of Shoulder Surgeons. Biology (Basel). 2023;12(2):291.
Protocol survey (499 US and European shoulder surgeons; sling type and duration by procedure) · PMC9953745 (free full text) · doi:10.3390/biology12020291 · CC BY 4.0 · cited · Used for: Sling
5.Högberg J, Królikowska A, Prill R, et al. Objective clinical tests to inform decision-making prior to return to sport in athletes with shoulder instability: A scoping review. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2026;34(1):268–283.
Scoping review (objective tests before return to sport, 11 studies of operated athletes) · PMC12747614 (free full text) · doi:10.1002/ksa.70107 · CC BY 4.0 · cited · Used for: Return to sport
6.Ma R, Brimmo OA, Li X, et al. Current Concepts in Rehabilitation for Traumatic Anterior Shoulder Instability. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2017;10(4):499–506.
Narrative review (rehab after traumatic anterior instability, with week-by-week limits) · PMC5685970 (free full text) · doi:10.1007/s12178-017-9449-9 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: ER and elevation targets · Resisted cuff work · Return to sport
7.Bradley H, Lacheta L, Goldenberg BT, et al. Latarjet Procedure for the Treatment of Anterior Glenohumeral Instability in the Athlete - Key Considerations for Rehabilitation. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2021;16(1):259–269.
Narrative review (criterion-based rehab after the Latarjet in athletes (clinical commentary)) · PMC7872454 (free full text) · doi:10.26603/001c.18707 · CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: Latarjet
8.Wilk KE, Bagwell MS, Davies GJ, et al. Return to Sport Participation Criteria Following Shoulder Injury: A Clinical Commentary. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 2020;15(4):624–642.
Narrative review (return-to-sport criteria after shoulder injury, interval throwing and weight room (clinical commentary)) · PMC7735686 (free full text) · doi:10.26603/ijspt20200624 · © publisher · cited only
9.Otley T, Myers H, Lau BC, et al. Return to Sport After Shoulder Stabilization Procedures: A Criteria-Based Testing Continuum to Guide Rehabilitation and Inform Return-to-Play Decision Making. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022;4(1):e237–e246.
Narrative review (criteria-based testing continuum after stabilization, with test thresholds) · PMC8811525 (free full text) · doi:10.1016/j.asmr.2021.09.039 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: Return to sport
10.Kelley TD, Clegg S, Rodenhouse P, et al. Functional Rehabilitation and Return to Play After Arthroscopic Surgical Stabilization for Anterior Shoulder Instability. Sports Health. 2022;14(5):733–739.
Cohort study (n = 62 contact and overhead athletes; criteria-based return to play after arthroscopic stabilization) · PMC9460095 (free full text) · doi:10.1177/19417381211062852 · © publisher · cited only · Used for: Resisted cuff work
11.Gibson J, Kerss J, Morgan C, et al. Accelerated rehabilitation after arthroscopic Bankart repair in professional footballers. Shoulder Elbow. 2016;8(4):279–286.
Cohort study (case series, n = 34 professional footballers; accelerated rehab after arthroscopic Bankart repair) · PMC5023051 (free full text) · doi:10.1177/1758573216647898 · © publisher · cited only
12.Amako M, Arino H, Tsuda Y, et al. Recovery of Shoulder Rotational Muscle Strength After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair. Orthop J Sports Med. 2017;5(9):2325967117728684.
Cohort study (case series, n = 50; rotation strength recovery after arthroscopic Bankart repair, with its rehab schedule) · PMC5624353 (free full text) · doi:10.1177/2325967117728684 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: Resisted cuff work · Return to sport
13.Hurley ET, Davey MS, Montgomery C, et al. Arthroscopic Bankart Repair Versus Open Latarjet for Recurrent Shoulder Instability in Athletes. Orthop J Sports Med. 2021;9(9):23259671211023801.
Cohort study (n = 124 athletes (62 and 62); arthroscopic Bankart vs open Latarjet, mean 47.7 months) · PMC8436306 (free full text) · doi:10.1177/23259671211023801 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced
14.Frantz TL, Everhart JS, Cvetanovich GL, et al. What Are the Effects of Remplissage on 6-Month Strength and Range of Motion After Arthroscopic Bankart Repair? A Multicenter Cohort Study. Orthop J Sports Med. 2020;8(2):2325967120903283.
Cohort study (multicenter; remplissage and 6-month strength and motion after arthroscopic Bankart repair) · PMC7686606 (free full text) · doi:10.1177/2325967120903283 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced · Used for: Remplissage add-on
15.Tansey PJ, Clark DS, Ruelos VCB, et al. Arthroscopic Bankart Repair With Remplissage Results in Low Recurrent Instability Rates Without Reducing Shoulder Range of Motion at Midterm Follow-up: A Systematic Review of Studies With Minimum 5-Year Outcomes. Am J Sports Med. 2025;53(14):3521–3527.
Systematic review (3 studies, 144 shoulders, minimum 5 years; Bankart with remplissage) · PMC12657661 (free full text) · doi:10.1177/03635465251324930 · CC BY 4.0 · cited · Used for: Remplissage add-on
16.Ernstbrunner L, Waltenspül M, Suter C, et al. Primary Open Latarjet Procedure Results in Functional Differences but No Structural Changes in Subscapularis Muscle Quality vs the Healthy Contralateral Shoulder at Long-term Follow-up. Am J Sports Med. 2022;50(6):1495–1502.
Cohort study (case series, n = 42; long-term rotation, strength and subscapularis quality after open Latarjet) · PMC9069664 (free full text) · doi:10.1177/03635465221079858 · CC BY 4.0 · cited · Used for: Latarjet
17.Myers H, Wulff K, Antonelli C, et al. Objective Measures for Assessing Readiness to Return to Sport After Shoulder Instability Procedures Are Not Standardized: A Systematic Review. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2024;6(5):100978.
Systematic review (objective return-to-sport measures, 37 studies) · PMC11551362 (free full text) · doi:10.1016/j.asmr.2024.100978 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced
18.Saad Berreta R, Khan ZA, Villarreal JB, et al. Defining the Minimal Clinically Important Difference and Patient Acceptable Symptom State for Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization at 2-Year Follow-up. Orthop J Sports Med. 2026;14(6):23259671261442972.
Cohort study (n = 65 (labelled case-control); MCID and PASS for WOSI and others 2 years after arthroscopic stabilization) · PMC13254416 (free full text) · doi:10.1177/23259671261442972 · CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · cited, not reproduced
19.van der Linde JA, Willems WJ, van Kampen DA, et al. Measurement properties of the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability index in Dutch patients with shoulder instability. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2014;15:211.
Cross-sectional study (n = 138; Dutch WOSI reliability, measurement error and smallest detectable change) · PMC4073175 (free full text) · doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-211 · CC BY 4.0 · cited
20.Bohu Y, Abadie P, van Rooij F, et al. Latarjet procedure enables 73% to return to play within 8 months depending on preoperative SIRSI and Rowe scores. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2021;29(8):2606–2615.
Cohort study (n = 217 Latarjet patients; return to play by 8 months and its predictors (SIRSI, Rowe)) · PMC8298242 (free full text) · doi:10.1007/s00167-021-06475-1 · CC BY 4.0 · cited · Used for: Latarjet

Published protocols compared (21–26)

Compared, not endorsed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the institutions listed. Versions and checked dates match the How published protocols differ table.

21.Sanford Health. Bankart repair/anterior capsulorrhaphy rehabilitation guideline [PDF]. Revised Feb 2026.
Published protocol · Protocol PDF (www.sanfordhealth.org/-/media/org/files/medical-professionals/resources-and-education/bankart-repair-guideline.pdf) · checked Nov 2026 · Compared, not endorsed · Used for: How protocols differ · Timeline details
22.UW Health. Rehabilitation guidelines for anterior shoulder reconstruction with arthroscopic Bankart repair [PDF]. Version © 2025.
Published protocol · Guideline PDF (bynder.uwhealth.org/asset/2d9c5574-0f65-4f6e-825b-836651dca0f7/Rehab-Guidelines-Bankart-Repair.pdf) · checked Nov 2026 · Compared, not endorsed · Used for: How protocols differ · Timeline details
23.Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. Rehabilitation protocol: arthroscopic anterior capsulolabral repair of the shoulder - Bankart repair [PDF]. Version Dec 2019.
Published protocol · Protocol PDF (www.lahey.org/-/media/files/lhmc/orthopedics/shoulder/lhmc-arthroscopic-anterior-capsulobabral-repair-of-the-shoulder-bankart-repair-rehabilitation.pdf) · checked Nov 2026 · Compared, not endorsed · Used for: How protocols differ · Timeline details
24.UW Health. Rehabilitation guidelines for open Latarjet anterior shoulder stabilization [PDF]. Version © 2025.
Published protocol · Guideline PDF (bynder.uwhealth.org/asset/013dabfa-852f-402b-a17d-75a56fcaf63f/Rehab-guideline-Open-Latarjet.pdf) · checked Nov 2026 · Compared, not endorsed · Used for: How protocols differ · Timeline details
25.Lahey Hospital & Medical Center. Rehabilitation protocol: open Latarjet rehabilitation guidelines [PDF]. Version Jun 2021.
Published protocol · Protocol PDF (www.lahey.org/-/media/files/lhmc/orthopedics/shoulder/lhmc-latarjet-rehabilitation-guidelines.pdf) · checked Nov 2026 · Compared, not endorsed · Used for: How protocols differ · Timeline details
26.Mass General Brigham. Rehabilitation protocol for Latarjet repair [PDF]. Revised Dec 2021.
Published protocol · Protocol PDF (www.massgeneralbrigham.org/content/dam/unified-xwalk/pdf/patient-education/english/rehabilitation-protocol-for-latarjet.pdf) · checked Nov 2026 · Compared, not endorsed · Used for: How protocols differ · Timeline details

Licenses and adaptation. All are licensed under CC BY 4.0 (creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0). No warranties are given by the original authors.

[9] Otley 2022, [12] Amako 2017, [13] Hurley 2021, [14] Frantz 2020, [17] Myers 2024 and [18] Saad Berreta 2026 are CC BY-NC-ND 4.0, [3] Villarreal-Espinosa 2024 is CC BY-NC 4.0 and [7] Bradley 2021 is CC BY-NC-SA 4.0: we summarize their findings in our own words and reproduce no text, tables or figures. [1] Alentorn-Geli 2026, [2] DeFroda 2018, [6] Ma 2017, [8] Wilk 2020, [10] Kelley 2022, [11] Gibson 2016, [22] UW Health and [24] UW Health (Latarjet) are not openly licensed (all rights reserved): we state their findings and numbers in our own words and reproduce no text, tables or figures.

Published protocols [21]–[26] are compared, not endorsed. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the institutions listed.

Changelog

Version	Date	What changed	Type	Recommendations affected	Reviewed by	Sources
2026.11	Nov 2026	First published version	—	All	Licensed PT	26

Cite this protocolHEP Drop. Bankart repair rehabilitation protocol. Version 2026.11. Reviewed Nov 2026. hepdrop.com/p/bankart

For specific clinical claims, cite the original sources above.

Bankart Repair Protocol · Arthroscopic Bankart repair · Version 2026.11 · hepdrop.com/p/bankart · The operating surgeon's protocol takes precedence.

Bankart Repair Protocol

Timeline

Phase

Motion

Strength

Restrictions

Milestones

Phase 1 · Protection

Key milestones by week

All phases

Phase 1 · Protection

Phase 2 · Motion and early strength

Phase 3 · Strength

Phase 4 · Return to activity

Phase 5 · Return to sport

How published protocols differ

Tests and measures

References and basis

What backs each recommendation

Bibliography

Published protocols compared (21–26)

Changelog

Bankart Repair Protocol

Bankart Repair Protocol · exercises and sources

Exercises by phase * sets and reps are our default.

Phase 1 · Protection wk 0–6

Phase 2 · Motion and early strength wk 6–12

Phase 3 · Strength wk 12–16

Phase 4 · Return to activity wk 16–26

Phase 5 · Return to sport wk 26–52

Return to contact or overhead sport when

Tests and pass marks

Key milestones vs published protocols

Sources

Test	Phase 3 exit	Phase 4 exit · non-contact sport · return to contact or overhead sport
Apprehension^[1]	no apprehension	full pain-free motion, negative apprehension
ER/IR strength^{[5, 9, 10]}	≥ 80%	≥ 90%
CKCUEST^{[5, 8, 9, 10]}		CKCUEST ≥21 touches
UQ Y-Balance^{[5, 9]}		≥ 90%
WOSI^{[8, 9, 18, 19]}		WOSI >90% or SIRSI >56
SIRSI^{[13, 20]}		WOSI >90% or SIRSI >56