Shoulder Stabilisation (Bankart) Rehab

After Bankart repair, Latarjet or arthroscopic stabilisation, a structured rehab pathway follows, with clear movement limits in the first weeks. We work in four phases with progressive loading — until the shoulder carries full external rotation and contact stability again.

Key facts

First appointment within 48 hours
Clinic protocols implemented 1:1
Accident insurance (UVG) after a sports accident · basic health insurance (with a doctor’s prescription)
Locations in Zurich West and Kloten

Who this rehab is for

After Bankart repair (refixation of the anterior labrum)
After Latarjet (bony stabilisation for recurrent dislocation)
After arthroscopic capsular shift (for hyperlaxity)
Recurrent dislocation (after multiple dislocations — cautious progression)

The rehab phases

Phase 1 — Protection phase

Weeks 0–4: sling or abduction brace, passive movement within protocol-approved angles, no external rotation.

Phase 2 — Active mobility

Weeks 4–8: pain-free active movement, step-by-step external rotation, scapular control, no resistance.

Phase 3 — Strength building

Months 2–4: progressively strengthening the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers, from isometric to dynamic.

Phase 4 — Return to contact

Months 4–6: sport-specific loading, throwing and pushing progression, contact tests before competition clearance.

What is different after a Bankart operation

In a Bankart operation, the labrum (the rim of cartilage torn off the bone) is fixed back onto the edge of the socket — typically with suture anchors. This refixation has to heal biologically, which takes several weeks. The most delicate movement in this phase is external rotation, because it puts direct pull on the repaired capsule. What we do: keep the shoulder mobile within the allowed angles, stabilise the scapula and train the supporting muscles — all with no compromises on the external rotation limit.

The operating clinic’s protocol applies

We work regularly with shoulder surgeons in the region and implement each clinic’s aftercare protocol 1:1. The differences between Bankart repair, Latarjet and combined procedures are clear — we follow the specific procedure.

What makes MTT different with us

Medical training therapy (MTT) does not happen in a back room but in the main area of our Sport Performance Center — with the same equipment professionals train on. For Bankart rehab this means targeted rotator cuff work on the cable tower with precisely dosed loads, isokinetic strength testing in internal and external rotation, and sport-specific contact and throwing progression. Your return to sport is based on data and clinical tests — not on the calendar. Read more about our treatment methods.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to wear the sling or abduction brace?

After a Bankart repair, typically 3–4 weeks; after Latarjet often shorter (2–3 weeks) because of the bony stability. The brace protects the repaired capsule from uncontrolled pull, above all from external rotation in the first weeks — it is worn strictly according to the clinic protocol.

When can I do external rotation again?

External rotation is typically released step by step from weeks 4–6, with clear angle limits per phase. Movement into external rotation loads the repaired capsule directly — releasing it too early is the most common reason for re-dislocation. We follow the clinic protocol strictly.

When can I play contact sports again?

Full-contact sport typically after 4–6 months — sometimes later for throwing sports or ice hockey. Clearance is based on clinical tests (apprehension test, relocation test), side-to-side strength comparisons and sport-specific load tolerance. Not on the calendar.

Bankart or Latarjet — is the rehab different?

A Bankart repair (labral suture) has a somewhat stricter movement protocol in the first weeks because of the suture. Latarjet (bony stabilisation with a coracoid transfer) often allows earlier loading but has its own healing phases for the bone block. We follow the specific procedure and the clinic protocol.

Does accident insurance (UVG) cover my Bankart rehab?

After a documented sports dislocation and subsequent surgery, Swiss accident insurance (UVG) covers 100% of the rehab costs. For habitual dislocation without a clear accident event, billing runs through basic health insurance (with a doctor’s prescription).

How is this different from conventional physiotherapy?

Medical training therapy (MTT) provides quantitative load management. For Bankart rehab this means targeted strengthening of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilisers on machines with dosed loads, isokinetic strength testing in internal and external rotation, and sport-specific contact progression in the Sport Performance Center.

Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.