The first stage of physical therapy begins almost immediately after surgery. In this stage, your shoulder may be temporarily immobilized; however, your doctor may have you begin to move your arm and shoulder as early as the first or second day.

As your shoulder begins to heal, light massage may be necessary to help remove dead tissue. You will also begin range of motion exercises. There are two kinds of range of motion exercises: passive and active. In passive range of motion, you lie still while a physical therapist moves your shoulder through its range of motion. In active range of motion, you move your shoulder by yourself. This stage can begin as soon as you are able and can last several weeks.