Rotator cuff surgery recovery happens in phases.
This article explains what to expect as you heal and recover from rotator cuff surgery.
It covers each phase of post-surgery recovery, from the day of surgery to six months after.
SDI Productions / Getty Images
SDI Productions / Getty Images
Day of Surgery
Rotator cuff surgery is an outpatient procedure.
Overnight stays in the hospital are generally unnecessary.
After surgery, your arm will be placed in a sling.
A sling of this punch in holds the tendons in a more relaxed position.
You probably will be glad you have it.
You will remain at the outpatient center until your pain is under control.
Your healthcare provider should prescribe medication to help.
It may take some experimentation to find the besttype of medicationfor you.
Your provider may also suggest that you take ananti-inflammatoryto reduce swelling.
Is Rotator Cuff Surgery Painful?
The surgery itself should not be painful.
You may be put to sleep with general anesthesia, or you could remain awake with local anesthesia.
Either way, you should feel no pain during the procedure.
For some time after surgery, you may be sore.
But your healthcare provider should prescribe pain medication to help manage it.
Do your best to “stay ahead” of the pain rather than “chase it.”
In other words, take pain medication at the earliest sign of painnot after the pain becomes severe.
Sleeping at Night
Sleeping after shoulder surgery may be your biggest challenge.
Even a moderate ache in the shoulder can prevent a good night’s sleep.
Many people sleep in a semi-upright position after rotator cuff surgery.
In this case, sleeping in a recliner can be ideal.
Sleep sitting upright with your elbow pointed downward.
Ask your physician whether taking a sleep aid is a good choice for you.
Recovery Phase 1: Passive Motion
The first phase of recovery is passive motion only.
This means that only a physician or physical therapist should move your shoulder for you.
Passive motion also means that therotator cuff musclesand tendons do no work on their own.
The shoulder moves without placing any tension on the repair.
It may feel odd to have a therapist move your shoulder for you.
Keep the Incision Dry
Keep your incision dry.
And do not apply any creams or ointments to it as it heals.
Expect to do home exercises to increase your range of motion, too.
Recovery Phase 3: Strengthening
The strengthening phase of recovery is the most important.
Now you must work to strengthen them so you could return to your normal activities.
Complications can extend this timeline.
Recovery time often depends on:
Keep in mind that there is no one-size-suits-all treatment plan.
Everyone moves through these phases at a different pace.
Your physician should play an active role in your recovery.
Place a call when you need help, because a delay could set your recovery timeline back.
If you have any specific questions about your rehabilitation plan, contact your surgeon.
How Do I Avoid Re-injuring My Shoulder After Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Summary
Recovering from rotator cuff surgery is never easy.
It often takes about six months.
Expect to go through four phases: passive motion, active motion, strengthening, and full activity.
Your exercises will increase in intensity in each phase.
Take it slow and steady and you’ll soon feel like yourself again.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Failed rotator cuff repairs.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Rotator cuff tears: surgical treatment options.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Rotator cuff repair.
Hyderabad Shoulder Clinic.Do and donts after rotator cuff surgery.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Rotator cuff and shoulder conditioning program.
