About the JPL Technique
The JPL technique was created by Doctor Jean-Pierre Liotard in Lyon, France and has been utilized by physicians and physical therapists worldwide. It allows for an early, patient-controlled range of motion after shoulder surgery to improve the range of motion and reduce pain levels.
Your rehabilitation involves the gradual recovery of passive range of motion through self-stretching exercises. This includes 3 phases, and your non-surgical arm should do all the work. Movements should progress as tolerated. Discomfort is expected, but you should not exceed discomfort to the level of pain. Focus on your breathing throughout this exercise.
Watch the JPL Shoulder Exercises
Video JPL: Phase 1
Video JPL: Phase 2
Video JPL: Phase 3
JPL: PHASE 1
3 days post-surgery
Phase 1: start
While laying down on your back with arms by your side, grasp your surgical hand with your non-surgical hand
Phase 1: middle
Use your non-surgical arm to lift your surgical arm until you reach chest height. Take a couple of deep breaths, then as tolerated, progress the arms until they are fully raised over your head. If you do not tolerate going further than chest height, slowly return your arms to the starting position by your side. You will progress toward achieving the overhead position over the first two weeks of your recovery.
Phase 1: end
Repeat the exercise for 5-10 repetitions. Perform this twice daily.
JPL: PHASE 2
2 – 6 weeks post-surgery
Phase 2: start
While sitting or standing, grasp your surgical hand with your non-surgical hand.
Phase 2: middle
Using your non-surgical arm to do the work, raise arms upwards until your hands are at a resting position on the top of your head.
Phase 2: end
Lift hands off your head and reach up towards the ceiling. Go as far as you tolerate. Then return the hands to resting on the top of your head. Repeat this step for 5-10 repetitions.
Return arms slowly to the side resting position. Perform this twice daily.
JPL: PHASE 3
6 weeks to 6 months post-surgery
Phase 3: start
While sitting or standing, grasp your surgical hand with your non-surgical hand. Using your non-surgical arm to do the work, raise your arms upwards until your hands are resting on the top of your head.
Phase 3: middle
Gently slide your hands to the back of your head. Then squeeze your shoulder blades together and pull your elbows backward. This will stretch the front of your shoulders and open your chest.
Phase 3: end
Reach arms up towards the ceiling as far as you tolerate. Then, return hands down to the behind-the-head position. Repeat the exercise for 5-10 repetitions. Remember to keep shoulder blades squeezed together and elbows back throughout this movement.
Return arms slowly to the side resting position. Perform this twice daily.
Your rehabilitation involves the gradual recovery of passive range of motion through self-stretching exercises. This includes 3 phases, and your non-surgical arm should do all the work. Movements should progress as tolerated. Discomfort is expected, but you should not exceed discomfort to the level of pain. Focus on your breathing throughout this exercise.
If you have any questions, you can call us at 816-525-2840 or text us at 816-551-2339.