How to Recover From Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff surgery is done to repair problems in the shoulder joint. This type of surgery can correct problems like chronic tendonitis and damage to the rotator cuff due to an acute injury. You need to know how to recover from rotator cuff surgery so you can properly use your arm again.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack
• Sling

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep your arm in a sling as directed by your surgeon and doctor. Often, you will be allowed to release the sling, so that you can straighten your arm but you will need to keep the sling on to ensure that your shoulder is immobilized.

• 2

  Apply an ice pack to your shoulder to relieve soreness. The anesthetics used during surgery should keep you comfortable for the first day after surgery. When you're at home, an ice pack can relieve any lingering soreness from your rotator cuff surgery.

• 3

  Begin physical therapy. Many patients will start physical therapy while they are still in the hospital after their surgeries. Physical therapy is essential for rehabilitating your rotator cuff and learning how to strengthen your shoulder again, so you'll probably be in physical therapy for 1 to 2 months.

• 4

  Bring your friends and family members to meet your physical therapist. It is recommend that your family learn what you'll be doing for therapy. Physical therapy for the rotator cuff can be very demanding and the people you love with need to know how to help you if you are having any difficulties.

• 5

  Take anti-infection medication as directed by your surgeon. After any kind of surgery, you are at an increased risk for an infection. This medicine will decrease the chances of an infection at the site of your surgical incisions.

• 6

  Talk to your friends about driving you to and from physical therapy during the first couple of weeks after surgery. You probably won't be able to drive with a sling on your arm.