For a shoulder injury, outline a phased rehab approach focusing on restoring ROM and strength.

• A. Phase 1: pain-free ROM and scapular stabilization; Phase 2: progressive ROM and rotator cuff activation; Phase 3: strengthening; Phase 4: sport-specific and return-to-sport drills.
• B. Phase 1: immobilization; Phase 2: passive ROM only; Phase 3: light resistance; Phase 4: return-to-sport.
• C. Phase 1: pain relief only; Phase 2: full conditioning; Phase 3: return-to-sport; Phase 4: no progression.
• D. No phase structure; perform random exercises weekly.

Answer: (B)

A phased rehab approach for a shoulder injury starts by protecting the healing tissues, then gradually reintroduces movement and loading to restore function. In the first phase, immobilization helps limit pain and inflammation and shields the injured structures as they begin to heal. Moving to the second phase, restoring range of motion with passive movements allows the joint to regain mobility without placing stress on healing tissues, reducing the risk of stiffness or adhesions. Once adequate, pain-free ROM is achieved, the next phase introduces light resistance to rebuild strength in the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers without overloading the healing area. Finally, advancing to return-to-sport ensures the shoulder is prepared for sport-specific demands, with progressive drills that mimic real activity and build confidence in stability and control. This progression—protect, restore motion, rebuild strength, then return to sport—aligns with how tissues heal and helps minimize the risk of re-injury.

Other approaches that skip a protection phase or push into motion, strengthening, or sport-specific work too quickly can compromise healing and increase the likelihood of setbacks.