How to Recover From Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff surgery is done to repair problems in the shoulder joint. This type of surgery can correct problems like chronic tendonitis and damage to the rotator cuff due to an acute injury. You need to know how to recover from rotator cuff surgery so you can properly use your arm again.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ice pack
• Sling

1. Keep your arm in a sling as directed by your surgeon and doctor. Often, you will be allowed to release the sling, so that you can straighten your arm but you will need to keep the sling on to ensure that your shoulder is immobilized.

2. Apply an ice pack to your shoulder to relieve soreness. The anesthetics used during surgery should keep you comfortable for the first day after surgery. When you're at home, an ice pack can relieve any lingering soreness from your rotator cuff surgery.

3. Begin physical therapy. Many patients will start physical therapy while they are still in the hospital after their surgeries. Physical therapy is essential for rehabilitating your rotator cuff and learning how to strengthen your shoulder again, so you'll probably be in physical therapy for 1 to 2 months.

4. Bring your friends and family members to meet your physical therapist. It is recommend that your family learn what you'll be doing for therapy. Physical therapy for the rotator cuff can be very demanding and the people you love with need to know how to help you if you are having any difficulties.

5. Take anti-infection medication as directed by your surgeon. After any kind of surgery, you are at an increased risk for an infection. This medicine will decrease the chances of an infection at the site of your surgical incisions.

6. Talk to your friends about driving you to and from physical therapy during the first couple of weeks after surgery. You probably won't be able to drive with a sling on your arm.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that you are drinking 8 glasses of water each day. Having enough clear fluids in your body is an important part of recovering from rotator cuff surgery.
• Know about all of the possible side effects of your medication and your surgery. Know when to call a doctor in the event of a complication during your recovery or an allergic reaction due to your medications.
• Avoid any heavy lifting with your arm that was operated on. You'll need to be careful with your shoulder joint until you've finished physical therapy. Any heavy lifting could complicate your recovery and possibly damage your rotator cuff again.

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[wendy5409]

on 10/7/2009 This is encouraging. I'm 8 months out from open torn cuff (in 4 pieces), bone spur & busitis surgery. I was in the sling 8 weeks. I didn't start PT until 6 weeks after surgery (probably a mistake, my shoulder froze). I am back to almost 100% ROM but still have lots of pain, mostly down my bicep area of my arm. I finished formal PT and still do my own religiously. I have had 10 other surgeries and this has by far been the worst recovery from surgery I have ever had. I'd rather have a kidney stone and give birth at the same time than have this surgery again!!! I get hopeless sometimes because I leave work in so much pain. I started wearing my TENS unit at work and it helps. I also switched to a mouse with a ball. The shoulder and arm DO NOT like typing and inputting for a long time after this surgery but I am in a hopeful mood today...this too shall pass. THANKS

[ace061]

on 6/15/2009 Fay7777- Two YEARS!!!! I was hoping on returning to golf in four months. Two YEARS !!! NO WAY !!

[deduka]

on 5/21/2009 Hi, My Rotator Cuff surgery was April 6, 09 and I had to wear the immobilizer sling for 6 weeks, no lifting anything heavier than a cup of coffee. I also went to PT a week after surgery where they moved my arm/shoulder. I am just now able to do the pendilum exercise. They just added the stick lift and that is along with them moving my arm/shoulder. It is slow going but is getting better. So, I am also at NO weighted lifting right now, just arm weight on the stick lift. My Doctor and PT's are great too.

[Fay777]

on 8/13/2008 I did my Ritator Cuff Surgery back in August 2003. It took me two years to get well 90%. I feel fine now. My doctor is one of the best in the country! Pick a right doctor before you go for the surgery!