How to Cope With Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff injuries are one of the most common types of shoulder injuries, and can sometimes require surgery. Usually, rotator cuff surgery can be performed by an arthroscopic procedure, one of the least invasive types of surgeries. This helps to minimize healing time, and lessens the trauma the body must go through during surgery.

Coping with rotator cuff surgery can be tough, especially if it is a first surgery, or if there are complications. Pain medications may be helpful initially, but exercise and rehabilitation are needed for full recovery.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pain medication
• Ice or cold compress
• Arm sling

1. Take pain medication as prescribed by the doctor. This will help keep the pain and swelling down while the shoulder complex initially starts to heal. Doctors usually prescribe Tylenol along with a pain killer to help reduce inflammation in the surgical area.

2. Keep the arm stabilized in a sling, and prop the arm up as necessary. Sometimes it helps to sleep upright, rather than laying flat in a bed. This will keep the arm in a neutral position, and allow the shoulder to heal comfortably.

3. Apply an ice pack to the surgical site every two hours for 20 minutes at a time. This also helps reduce swelling and makes the patient more comfortable.

4. Support the arm as much as possible while showering, or performing other tasks when the sling is not on the arm. Keep the arm and shoulder supported until the doctor or physical therapist allows you to regain normal motion without support.

5. Work with a physical therapist within the first week following the rotator cuff surgery, or as your doctor prescribes. The physical therapist will help regain normal motion in the arm in a safe manner, ensuring you don't pull or tear anything in the shoulder.

Tips & Warnings

• Take pain medication as needed following the rotator cuff surgery to help control the pain and swelling.
• Only perform the exercises and motions prescribed by your doctor or physical therapist. Pushing the shoulder to perform too early can having negative lasting effects on the shoulder's recovery.
• Don't try to lift anything until you are cleared by your physical therapist or orthopedic doctor. Stretching, reaching, or lifting anything outside of the recommended motions could put undue strain on the shoulder, causing the surgical site to heal improperly.

References

• Information on Rotator Cuff Repair
• Recovering from Rotator Cuff Surgery

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.