Physical Therapy

Dr. Barry LoSasso, together with Kate Grace, RPT, OPA-C, Owner & Director of Evolve Physical Therapy + Advanced Wellness in San Diego, California, developed a post-operative protocol to enhance and improve the outcome for patients.

Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovering from Pectus Excavatum Surgery.

This video, although created several years ago, still has very relevant information and resources for your recovery process. We encourage you and your family to watch the video prior to surgery to get an understanding of the types of exercises that will be helpful for your recovery. Each patient should be evaluated by a physical therapist in order to be given their specific set of exercises and the right schedule for that patient.

Exercises and schedule may include:

4 Weeks

Assisted, supervised shoulder range of motion and postural correction exercises:

  • Doorway Lunge - moderate stretch (10:15)

  • Elevated Doorway Stretch - moderate stretch (10:52)

  • Diaphragmatic breathing (11:24)

  • Pelvic Rock - posterior pelvic tilt and anterior pelvic tilt (12:20)

  • Soft tissue massage - prevents scarring (13:05)

  • Manual Therapy (13:58)

  • Shoulder Mobilization (14:33)

  • Shoulder Range of Motion (ROM) (14:56)

  • Scapula Stabilization (15:11)

  • Scapula PNF Patterns (15:33)

6 Weeks

Strengthening using weights, balls, and bands

  • Resisted Band Shoulder External Rotation (18:38)

  • Dumbbell Exercise (19:12)

  • Cat and Camel (20:12)

  • Hand Leg Opposite Lift (Bird Dog) (20:34)

  • Plank Exercises (21:01)

  • Exercise Ball Movements (22:07)

  • Squats (23:15)

  • Lunges (23:48) 

  • Dynamic Hug (25:18)

  • Dynamic PNF Patterns (25:50)

For more information, please read and download these helpful documents.