Home Recovery From Rotator Cuff Repair

Most people go home the same day they have their rotator cuff repaired. Full recovery from rotator cuff repair takes about four to six months. Patients who have rotator cuff repairs take with them a list of dos and don'ts when they are discharged from the hospital.

Diet

• Diet

  When you return home after your rotator cuff repair, you can resume your normal diet. If you experience nausea, you may want to start with tea or broth and some crackers.

Pain Control

• Pain Meds

  Your physician will probably prescribe pain medication. Follow the instructions that are on the label. If your pain is severe, contact your physician. You should expect some swelling in your shoulder. Use ice packs for periods of about 20 minutes off and 20 minutes on for the first 24 hours after your surgery.

Sling

• The physician will instruct you to wear a sling, which will allow your rotator cuff to heal. You will wear the sling for approximately four to six weeks. Avoid active movement of your arm and shoulder.

Driving

• Driving

  Your physician will not want you to drive until the sling is removed. You must be able to place your hand in the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel and turn it right and left without experiencing pain.

Returning to Work

• Working

  You should be able to return to work after about three weeks, depending on the type of work you do. You will still have some restrictions. For example, you will not be able to reach overhead for things. If you have a job that requires you to use your arms repetitively, you may have to wait six weeks to go back to work.