Relaxation and Imagery Resources for after Shoulder Dislocation - Non-Surgical Pathway
by Margie Olds
INTRODUCTORY MESSAGE FOR IMAGERY SESSIONS
These guided imagery sessions are designed specifically for use by people recovering from a shoulder dislocation or subluxation and needing rehabilitation. Research has shown that using these guided imagery sessions facilitates recovery, helping people to regain strength more quickly, reduce pain, and decrease anxiety about becoming reinjured.
We recommend that you proceed through the sessions in the order indicated to achieve maximum benefit from the guided imagery. Although the sessions have been developed to closely parallel current medical rehabilitation protocols and typical rates of recovery, we recognize that everyone progresses through rehabilitation at a different rate. Therefore, the timeline for each session is only approximate. If there is any question as to whether you are ready to move from one session to the next, preview the next session and determine whether the activities mentioned in the session are consistent with your current stage of rehabilitation and recovery.
We also recommend that you attempt to listen to these imagery sessions in a place and at a time when you are least likely to be disturbed. You will probably go in and out of attention, perhaps just be in a very relaxed state where you are absorbing all the healing effects of images or ideas or feelings. For this reason, it is very important that you do not listen to this, or any other imagery session, while you are driving. You can listen as often as you like. Although it is beneficial to eliminate or reduce visual and auditory stimuli, perhaps by dimming the lights or closing the shades, as well as listening with a pair of headphones, this is not necessary in order to obtain the full benefits of these imagery sessions.
The following is a suggested schedule for listening to each of the sessions. The time-frames frames may vary depending on your surgeon’s post-operative protocol.
Session 1: Protective Phase – While your arm is in a sling immediately after your injury
-should be listened to once per day for 7 days, and then 3 x/wk
Session 2: Proactive Phase – early stretching ex Once you have taken the sling off
should be listened to minimum 3 times per week
Session 3: Proactive Phase – When your shoulder needs more movement
– should be listened to minimum 3x per week
Session 4: Active Phase – Once you start strengthening
- should be listened to minimum 2x per week
Session 5: Active Phase – Increased strengthening
-should be listened to minimum of 3 times per week
Session 6: Active Phase – Increased strength / ROM and plyometric ability
- should be listened to minimum of 2x/wk
Session 7: Reduction of inflammation, general coping, regain strength & control
– should be listened to minimum of 3x/wk
Session 8: Submaximal Functional Phase (5-6 months). Confidence in labrum / Ligament Integrity and Patience
— should be listened to minimum of 2x/week
