Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery: The First Few Weeks

A rotator cuff repair can help you return to doing what you love. It can help you regain strength and range of motion in your shoulder. You should note that recovery doesn’t stop when you leave the hospital – in fact, that’s when it begins. It takes time, focus, and effort to heal from your rotator cuff surgery.

 

Here’s what you can expect in the first few weeks following your procedure:

The First Few Weeks

The first few weeks post-op are crucial to your recovery. You’ll be getting a lot of rest, so your body heals. You’ll work with your physical therapist to regain your range of motion and strength. You’ll also learn how to protect your shoulder as it heals.

 

Here are a few things you can expect during this time:

Tiredness

It’s normal to feel tired after surgery because your body is working hard to heal. So, make sure to get plenty of rest. Avoid activities that could put stress on your rotator cuff. Moving too much can aggravate the repair and delay healing. This is the perfect time to catch up on your favorite streaming show or read that big book you’ve been meaning to check out. It’s also important to get a lot of sleep – that’s when your body does its best healing.

Pain, Swelling, And Itchiness

Expect to observe some discomfort and swelling as your shoulder heals. Both are normal and will subside with time. The incision site may also feel itchy as it heals.

 

You may primarily feel pain around the incision site and when trying to move your shoulder. For the first few days, you may feel like your shoulder is “on fire.” Your provider will likely prescribe pain medication to help with the discomfort, and you should take it as recommended.

 

You may feel better as the pain and swelling go down after a few days. You’ll also be able to move your shoulder a little more each day.

 

Ice can help with swelling and pain. Apply it for 20-30 minutes at a time, several times a day.

Stiffness

It’s normal to feel some stiffness in your shoulder because the area is still healing. The stiffness will start to resolve as you do your physical therapy exercises and regain range of motion.

Physical Therapy

You’ll begin working with a physical therapist within the first week to regain your range of motion and strength. You will perform exercises to:

• Loosen up the shoulder muscles
• Improve range of motion
• Strengthen the muscles around the shoulder

 

Your physical therapist may also give you a home exercise program to follow. You should stick with the program, as the exercises will help you recover faster.

Supportive Splint Or Sling

You may need to wear a supportive splint or sling to protect your shoulder as it heals. The type of support you’ll need will depend on the type of surgery you had.

 

A splint or sling will prevent your shoulder from moving too much, helping the area heal properly. You’ll likely wear the support for 4-6 weeks, but it can vary.

Gradual Increase In Activity Level

Depending on your surgery and recovery, you may return to your normal activities within 6-8 weeks. You may be able to:

• Drive
• Work
• Lift light objects
• Sleep comfortably

 

Doing too much too soon can delay your recovery, so take things slowly at first. Gradually increase your activity level as your shoulder heals. Stop if you feel pain because it is your body’s signal to take it easy.

Follow-Up Appointments

You’ll have follow-up appointments to check your progress and allow your provider to remove your stitches. You’ll continue seeing your doctor and physical therapist until you’ve recovered fully, which may take several months.

 

Recovery takes time, focus, and effort, and you must stick with your physical therapy program and follow your doctor’s instructions. Doing so will help you recover as quickly as possible.

Rotator Cuff Repair In Little Rock, AR

Rotator cuff surgery can help you return to your daily life, but you must take things slowly at first. The first few weeks are vital to your recovery, so you should follow your provider’s instructions precisely.

 

You can trust Bowen Hefley Orthopedics if you need rotator cuff repair in Little Rock. Dr. William Hefley is board-certified, fellowship-trained, and dedicated to giving you the best comprehensive and compassionate care you deserve. You may call our friendly staff at (800) 336-2412 to learn about our services. You may also use our appointment request form to book a consultation with the best orthopedic surgeon near you.

 

We look forward to serving you!