For patients
Patient resources
Dr. Hubbard’s post-operative instructions and rehabilitation protocols, available to download and share with your physical therapist. The written instructions you receive at discharge always take priority over anything on this page.
Rehabilitation protocols
These are guidelines for a typical recovery and do not replace the judgment of your surgeon or therapist. Outside therapists with questions may call Sports Medicine at (336) 713-6038 or CompRehab Plaza Sports/Outpatient PT at (336) 716-8110.
Knee
ACL Reconstruction — Rehab Guidelines (Sports Medicine)
Six phases from the protective phase (weeks 0–2) through return to sport (months 6–12), with goals, exercises, functional hop testing, and isokinetic testing standards.
Download PDFACL Reconstruction — Rehab Guidelines (CompRehab Plaza)
The same six-phase program with CompRehab Plaza contact details for outside therapists: (336) 716-8110.
Download PDFACL Reconstruction — Family Guide
Plain-language guide for patients and parents: what each phase looks like, why progression is based on performance rather than the calendar, and the research behind return-to-sport timing.
Download PDFMeniscus Repair — Peripheral Tears
Four phases over 20+ weeks. Dr. Hubbard's patients: flex no greater than 90° for the first 5–6 weeks. Gradual weight bearing to full at 2–3 weeks, brace discontinued at 3–4 weeks.
Download PDFMPFL Reconstruction (without tibial tuberosity transfer)
Five phases from weeks 0–2 through months 4–6, with a staged flexion schedule (30° at week 1, 60° at week 2, 90° at week 3, full by weeks 10–12) and no lateral patellar glides.
Download PDF
Shoulder
Rotator Cuff Repair — Type I (tear under 1 cm)
Protection 0–6 weeks, early strengthening 6–12 weeks, advanced strengthening 12–20 weeks, return to sport 20–24 weeks. Swimming, golf, and tennis progressions may begin at week 15.
Download PDFRotator Cuff Repair — Type II (1–5 cm)
Longer protection phase of 0–8 weeks with a sling generally discarded between days 14–21, full active motion by weeks 10–12, and return to sport at 24+ weeks.
Download PDFRotator Cuff Repair — Type III (larger than 5 cm)
Protection through 12 weeks with the sling worn 5–6 weeks, full active motion by weeks 12–15, and interval sport programs no earlier than week 26.
Download PDFBankart Capsulolabral Repair
Standard and accelerated pathways with criteria for choosing between them, phase-by-phase motion and strength limits, and sport-specific drill progressions through 6–9 months.
Download PDFSLAP Repair — Types II and IV
Protective phase through 8 weeks with no resisted biceps activity, staged motion goals, strengthening from weeks 12–20, interval throwing at weeks 16–20, return to sport at 6–9 months.
Download PDF
Hip
Hip Arthroscopy — Post-Operative Instructions
Wound care, the full medication schedule, 20 lb flat-foot weight bearing with a walker, six weeks of bracing, icing, and when physical therapy begins.
Download PDF
Throwing athletes
Interval Throwing Protocol
Fourteen steps from 45 feet out to 180 feet, one step per throwing day with a rest day between, then throwing off the mound in three staged phases.
Download PDFThrower's Ten Exercise Program
The core home program for the throwing shoulder: ten exercise groups covering the rotator cuff, scapula, elbow, and wrist, with space for your therapist to write sets and repetitions.
Download PDF
Post-operative instructions — hip arthroscopy
The full instruction sheet given to hip arthroscopy patients.
Returning to sport after ACL reconstruction
- 1Progression between phases is based on measured performance, not on a date from surgery.
- 2Although some athletes return as early as 6 months, the average time to return is about 10 months.
- 3Up to 35% of patients aged 6–17 may suffer a second ACL tear; returning sooner than 9 months was the only predictor of that risk.
- 4Returning without passing functional testing (under 10% side-to-side deficit) carries four times the re-injury rate.
Forms & records
New patient paperwork, medical records requests, work and school notes, and disability forms are handled through the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist patient portal or by calling the clinic directly.
Contact the clinic