Do and don’ts after rotator cuff surgery?

Do and don’ts after rotator cuff surgery?

Keep comfortable. Rest is key to recuperation, so try to stay as comfortable as possible. Use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a light cloth) to help reduce inflammation during the first three to five days after surgery. After that period, heat can provide some relief for pain and stiffness.

What can you not do after rotator cuff surgery?

You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks after surgery. You should not reach behind your back with the operative arm. You may remove your arm from the sling to bend and straighten your elbow and to move your fingers several times a day.

Can you wear a bra after shoulder surgery?

Avoid clothing with small buttons, hooks and zips. Ladies may find a bra uncomfortable and may prefer to wear a strapless or front fastening bra. Track pants or pants with elastic waists are advised for the first few weeks. Consider slip-on, easy fitting shoes.

Can you sleep on your side after rotator cuff surgery?

You could also prop up your arm on a stack of pillows in front of you while lying on your side. Make sure to use soft pillows so your arm will sink in and not roll off. Sleep on your back: It's best to have pillows on either side of you to prevent you from rolling onto your healing shoulder.

What is the average recovery time for rotator cuff surgery?

Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery. Recovering from rotator cuff surgery usually takes 4 to 6 months, but a full recovery can take up to a year. Even when surgery and rehabilitation are successful, the repaired rotator cuff tendon is prone to re-injury up to 12 months following the procedure.

How do I dry my hair after shoulder surgery?

Ladies, accept that it will be a long time before you can lift your surgical arm high enough to shave under it. To blow dry your hair, rig the dryer to a high towel rack so it is pointing down. You can use your brush with Page 11 9 your nonsurgical hand as you position yourself under the dryer.

How soon can I drive after rotator cuff surgery?

As a guide, it will be at least 8-10 weeks before you will be able to drive and then a gradual increase in activity/ driving can be expected.

What is the ideal sleep support for post rotator cuff surgery?

In many cases, the best way to sleep after shoulder surgery is in a recliner. The recliner allows you to lie down and rest without giving you the freedom to turn over.

What happens at 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery?

For the first 6-8 weeks after surgery, your surgeon will ask you to wear a sling to protect the repaired tendons. The next phase of recovery, from 8-12 weeks after the surgery, is focused on getting the shoulder to move normally again, while still not doing any lifting that could pull apart the repair.

How long does pain last after rotator cuff surgery?

This observation is supported by a study showing that in patients who have had rotator cuff surgery, strength in the shoulder muscles is not fully recovered until nine months after the surgery. As a result, it is normal to expect some continued symptoms of pain or soreness after rotator cuff surgery for several months.

What happens at 6 weeks after rotator cuff surgery?

Don't forget about icing the shoulder, this will be the most important part of the pain control. You will have to wear a sling for about 3-6 weeks depending on the doctor to help support that surgical arm. You will also be told to not drive for at least 6 weeks after surgery or when your doctor clears you.

What is the fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery?

If you can, sleep in a recliner, or reclined position up to a couple weeks after your surgery. If you don't have a recliner, you can use pillows on the couch or in bed.

Is rotator cuff surgery considered a major surgery?

It is well known that rotator cuff surgery is a major operation where the rotator cuff tendons (Figure 1) are sewn back to the upper arm bone (humerus) (Figures 2 and 3). … As a result, it is normal to expect some continued symptoms of pain or soreness after rotator cuff surgery for several months.

How long after rotator cuff surgery can you sleep in a bed?

If you don't have a recliner, you can use pillows on the couch or in bed. You can even purchase a 45 degree wedge online or at your nearest medical supply store. Typically, shoulder patients have to sleep at an incline for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.

How do you get out of bed after shoulder surgery?

Post-surgery, the best type of shirts are button-down or oversized t-shirts. You may also purchase post-surgical shirts online made specifically for shoulder surgery patients. In order to get dressed, focus on putting the surgical arm in first.

How long will I be off work after shoulder arthroscopy?

This will probably start 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery and last for 4 to 6 months. You may be able to do easier daily activities in 2 to 3 weeks. Most people who work at desk jobs can return to work at this time. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you will probably need 3 to 4 months off.

How do you shower after shoulder surgery?

You can take a shower 3 days after your surgery. Before you take a shower, wrap your shoulder in plastic (your shoulder should be wrapped in plastic until your stitches or the strips have been taken out). DO NOT take baths until your surgeon says it is safe to do so. Keep the dressings and puncture sites clean and dry.

What happens if you don’t wear your sling after shoulder surgery?

One-and-a-half months after surgery, patients who did not wear a sling had increased shoulder motion, including external (outward) rotation and active elevation. … Rotator cuff repair can reduce pain and improve shoulder function, although there is a risk of repeat tears or incomplete healing.

Is arthroscopic shoulder surgery painful?

The question of postoperative pain after shoulder arthroscopy is essential. … Therefore, pain must be described precisely and yet, although shoulder arthroscopy is reputed to generate less postoperative pain than open surgery, to our knowledge, no study has described pain during the first days after this intervention.

Can you shower after rotator cuff surgery?

If the rotator cuff repair was done arthroscopically, you can take a shower 48 to 72 hours after surgery. Remove the sling, and leave your arm by your side. … If you had open surgery, do not shower until you see your doctor and he or she okays it. You can wash the incisions with regular soap and water.

How long should you take pain meds after shoulder surgery?

It is important to begin taking your pain medication before this medicine wears off. This is usually about 6 to 8 hours after the procedure. However, it may be as little as 2 hours or (if you're lucky) it could be 12 to 16 hours. It is important to stay on top of the pain as it is more difficult to catch up.

How do you change clothes for rotator cuff surgery?

Most patients who have had rotator cuff surgery will tell you that it takes about nine months before the shoulder feels completely normal. … As a result, it is normal to expect some continued symptoms of pain or soreness after rotator cuff surgery for several months.

What can I expect after arthroscopic shoulder surgery?

Although recovery from arthroscopy is often faster than recovery from open surgery, it may still take from weeks to months for your shoulder joint to completely recover. You can expect some pain and discomfort for several weeks after surgery. … Ice will help relieve pain and swelling.

What is considered a large rotator cuff tear?

Massive rotator cuff tears are typically defined as rupture of at least two of the four rotator cuff tendons and/or retraction away from the attachment site of 5 cm or greater. Thus, these are generally accepted as more challenging repairs with a longer recovery. Tendon healing to bone biologically takes 3 months.