How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery? It takes
six to eight weeks
for the tendon to heal to the bone. Complete recovery time varies by size of the tear. For a small tears, full recovery time is about four months, for large tears, six months.
How long before you can drive after rotator cuff surgery?
Post-Surgery
In general, you’ll want to avoid driving a car for
at least six to 12 weeks
, or until your doctor has indicated you no longer need to wear a sling. Driving with one arm is unsafe, and the shoulder that underwent surgery shouldn’t be moved too far away from the body.
Is rotator cuff surgery a difficult recovery?
The movements you learn will help you regain your shoulder strength and range of motion. While
the recovery from rotator cuff surgery can be a challenge
, most people are back to their normal routine within 6 months.
What can I expect after rotator cuff surgery?
Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery Timeline
Rotator cuff surgery has a significant recovery period that involves
plenty of rest and physical therapy
. No matter what type of procedure you receive, your doctor will ask you to rest your shoulder and arm as much as possible for the first few weeks post-surgery.
How long after rotator cuff surgery can you sleep in a bed?
This is really going to depend on your exact surgery and how quickly you recover in general. However, a good rule of thumb is
4-6 months
before you can go back to sleeping however you want.
Is rotator cuff surgery worth having?
Many tears occur in people who don’t feel the painful symptoms usually associated with a tear. In such cases, is rotator cuff surgery worth it? Well,
the answer is “no.”
There’s no need to do surgery to repair the torn rotator cuff.
Why is rotator cuff surgery so painful?
A rotator cuff surgery is a major surgical intervention in the shoulder, and the reason that there is pain after surgery is
the amount of normal surgical trauma
. Cutting, drilling, cauterizing, and suturing tissues create pain and inflammation.
What is the fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery?
- Wear your shoulder immobilizer or sling. …
- Participate in physical therapy. …
- Eliminate pain medication as quickly as possible. …
- Avoid certain shoulder positions and arm movements. …
- Don’t rush your recovery.
How long do you have to sleep in a recliner after shoulder surgery?
Sleep in a Reclined Position
As your pain subsides and your shoulder heals, you can slowly lower yourself deeper into a horizontal position until it’s finally comfortable again. You will most likely need to sleep in a semi-reclined position for
at least six weeks
after surgery, sometimes longer.
What happens at 3 weeks after rotator cuff surgery?
3 weeks to 6 weeks- Post-acute recovery
Therapy should not be “painful”, but
you will have some discomfort with getting the shoulder out of the sling and having it moved around more
. You are still not allowed to actively lift your arm at this point.
Is rotator cuff surgery the most painful?
Rotator cuff repair is the most painful surgery in the first postoperative days
. The main risk factor for pain is a work related accident or occupational disease, associated with higher VAS values from D1 to 1 year and greater morphine intake.
Do rotator cuff injuries get worse over time?
Rotator cuff tendon tears often cause pain at night. The pain may even wake you. During the day, the pain is more tolerable, and usually only hurts with certain movements, such as overhead or reaching toward the back.
Over time, the symptoms become much worse
, and are not relieved by medicines, rest, or exercise.
How do you go to the bathroom after shoulder surgery?
A detachable showerhead helps keep water away from your shoulder, and pump soap makes bathing easier when you can use only one arm.
Place non-slip bath mats in the shower and on the floor outside your bathtub or shower
. A shower chair is also great for safety because you may tire easily during your recovery.
How serious is rotator cuff surgery?
In general, surgery involving anesthesia, which includes rotator cuff surgery,
poses a slight risk of stroke, heart attack, pneumonia, or blood clot
. Damage to adjacent nerves and blood vessels. One study found that 1 to 2% of patients going through rotator cuff surgery experience nerve damage.
Is walking good after rotator cuff surgery?
When can I exercise after shoulder surgery?
You can do things like walk immediately
. Usually, you will be in a sling for a period of 2 to 6 weeks depending on the type of surgery. During that time you can remove the sling to extend the elbow several times a day.
Why sleep in recliner after shoulder surgery?
The best position for most people with shoulder surgery is the reclined position because
it reduces tension in the shoulder joint and the surrounding soft tissue
. Lie on a reclined position on the bed with a few pillows to strengthen your lower and middle back.
Do I have to wear my sling to bed after rotator cuff surgery?
Wear your sling.
Wearing your sling during the day helps keep your arm in the proper position but also provides protection. This is true at night as well.
Wearing your sling at night for the first week can help protect your shoulder from movement and keep it properly positioned while you sleep
.
Can you live with a rotator cuff tear?
Patients with “well-balanced” massive rotator cuff tears may still have good active motion and be able to perform their activities of daily living
. This is usually achieved through balanced force coupling across the glenohumeral joint (intact subscapularis and teres minor) and recruitment of the deltoid muscle.
What happens if a torn rotator cuff goes untreated?
If left untreated, a rotator cuff tear can
severely restrict function and range of motion
. The tears can also increase over time. This may cause partial rotator cuff tears to progress to total tears.
What percentage of rotator cuff surgeries are successful?
What is the success rate for rotator cuff surgery? Rotator cuff surgery has
more than a 95% success rate for small tears
. For two tendon tears, the success rate is still greater than 70%. Untreated tears tend to get bigger, so it is best to repair tears while they are small.
How do you dress yourself after shoulder surgery?
Prepare for Dressing
Loose-fitting shirts that are easy to put on, like button-down shirts and oversized t-shirts
, are best for post-surgery. You can also find post-surgical shirts made specifically for shoulder surgery patients at online retailers. When getting dressed, focus on putting the surgical arm in first.
Which is worse rotator cuff surgery or shoulder replacement?
Despite being more invasive,
the rehab and recovery is actually much easier and faster than rotator cuff repair surgery
. This is because we are less reliant on the soft tissue structures around the shoulder after a replacement.
What is the best pain medication for rotator cuff surgery?
Naproxen 500 (2 Aleve) every 12 hours OR ibuprofen 800 (4 Advil) every 8 hours
. Take with food and avoid if history of ulcers, severe reflux or kidney disease. Continue for 5 days and then as needed.
How do you care for someone after rotator cuff surgery?
You will not have complete use of your affected arm for a few months after surgery
. You can use your affected arm for writing, eating, or drinking, but move it only at the elbow or wrist. Do not use it for anything else except prescribed exercises until the sling has been removed.
Can I use my hand after rotator cuff surgery?
You may use your wrist, hand, and elbow for daily activities
. This includes eating, shaving, dressing, as long as you do not move your operated arm away from your body and it does not increase your pain. Do not use your arm to push up/off the bed or chair for six weeks after your surgery.
