How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery?
Not All Rotator Cuff Tears Are The Same. Both brothers had surgery on their respective rotator cuffs. But the surgeon told Phil that he would need 4-6 months of physical therapy and told Pat that he would need only 2-3 months.
What is the average recovery time for rotator cuff surgery?
Oct 21, 2019 · The Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery Timeline varies significantly and can take 6 months or more. A shoulder immobilizer may be required for 4-6 weeks for maximal healing. There are four common phases.
When can you return to work after rotator cuff surgery?
Jan 17, 2022 · Most people who have rotator cuff surgery can expect to feel some level of pain for at least six months after their procedure. Physical therapists can help you learn about factors that can affect how long you will be in pain after rotator cuff surgery. These specialists can also help you find ways to recover more effectively after your surgery.
How long will I be out after rotator cuff surgery?
Dec 21, 2021 · Usually, this phase of rehab lasts for three to four weeks. 5 Initial Strengthening In the next portion of rehab, your therapist will begin instructing you on exercises that start to gently strengthen your rotator cuff muscles. By this point, the surgical repair is more secure and can tolerate light resistance.
How long does it take to get full range of motion after shoulder surgery?
To acquire sufficient ROM in 2 years, T-ROMs (120° for FF and 20° for ER) should be reached 3 months after surgery.Sep 18, 2017
How many physical therapy sessions are needed for rotator cuff surgery?
This surgery typically requires four stages of physical therapy as you recover. In the first two to eight weeks after surgery, you'll limit movement, wear a sling, and work with a PT on passive stretching.Dec 21, 2021
How long after rotator cuff surgery can you go back to work?
You may be able to do easier daily activities in 2 to 3 weeks. Most people who work at desk jobs can go back to work at this time. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you will probably need 3 to 4 months off. Most people can start activities with low risk of shoulder injury in about 3 months.
How long does it take to regain strength after shoulder surgery?
Most people need 6 weeks or longer to recover. How much time you need depends on the surgery that was done. You may have to limit your activity until your shoulder strength and range of motion are back to normal. You may also be in a rehabilitation program (rehab).
Will my shoulder ever be the same after 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.
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.Nov 22, 2021
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.Apr 19, 2017
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.Jul 7, 2019
What is the fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery?
5 Tips to Speed Your Recovery from Rotator Cuff SurgeryWear 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 many weeks of physical therapy do you need for rotator cuff surgery?
The passive motion portion of your rehabilitation program lasts about six weeks. During this phase, avoid any action that puts stress on your surgical arm, including: Reaching, pulling, or raising your arms.
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.Nov 1, 2017
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 long does it take for Phil to get a rotator cuff surgery?
Both brothers had surgery on their respective rotator cuffs. But the surgeon told Phil that he would need 4-6 months of physical therapy and told Pat that he would need only 2-3 months.
Why did Fred have to wait to do active motion on his shoulder?
He would also need to “ protect the repair .” In other words, Fred would have to wait to do “active” motion on his healing left shoulder to make sure that the tendon didn’t detach again before it had a chance to heal. He wouldn’t be able to do strengthening exercises for 3 months.
Do you need physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery?
The truth is, most people need at least some physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery. But for some, it’s much shorter than they might expect. The length of time you do therapy often depends on one key factor.
Can you stress the healing tissue?
In other words: you can’t stress the healing tissue much until it has knitted together. —————————-. If you need rotator cuff surgery, the duration and speed at which you progress will depend in large part on whether your surgeon repaired your rotator cuff with stitches or not.
Did Pat and Pat have rotator cuff tears?
What I neglected to tell you was that, while it’s true that they both brothers had “rotator cuff tears” their tears were not the same. Pat’s tear was not as bad. When the surgeon did Pat’s arthroscopic surgery, he found that the rotator cuff was “ frayed ” but not completely torn off of the bone. He had a partial tear .
How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery?
What is the Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery Timeline? 1 Phase 1:Passive motion: 1-6 weeks depending upon the size of tear and strength of the repair. 2 Phase 2: Active Motion: 6-12 weeks. You start moving your shoulder with the contraction of your muscles. 3 Phase 3: Strengthening: 12-16 weeks. Injury, surgery, early phases of restricted motion result in weakness that now must be restored. 4 Phase 4 Full activity: 16-24 weeks. Strengthening with continued improvement in range of motion and return to play.
How long does it take to heal a rotator cuff?
The Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery Timeline varies significantly and can take 6 months or more. A shoulder immobilizer may be required for 4-6 weeks for maximal healing. There are four common phases. Phase 1:Passive motion: 1-6 weeks depending upon the size of tear and strength of the repair. Phase 2: Active Motion: 6-12 weeks.
What is the rotator cuff?
To Conclude…. The rotator cuff is a complex of muscles and tendons that provide stability and function to the shoulder. Injuries can occur and surgery for rotator cuff tears has increased. Recovery from rotator cuff surgery is commonly divided into 4 phases.
What are the four muscles that compromise the rotator cuff?
The four muscles that compromise the rotator cuff are the supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis and teres minor. The rotator cuff is also important in shoulder functions such as reaching overhead, ...
How long does it take to recover from a rotator cuff injury?
While recovery from a rotator cuff injury can take nine months or longer , you can speed up the process by diligently following the program outlined by your physical therapist (PT). By working in partnership with your PT, you may even be able to achieve full recovery within four to six months. Each case is unique.
What to do after rotator cuff surgery?
Physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery is crucial to regain optimum function of the shoulder. We will take you through a carefully designed treatment plan to rehabilitate and strengthen your rotator cuff and the surrounding muscles. Carefully performing only recommended movements will lessen the risk of re-tearing the rotator cuff tendon, minimize discomfort, and maximize optimum healing.
How long do you have to keep your arm in a sling after rotator cuff surgery?
Phase One: Passive Motion. After rotator cuff surgery, you will need to keep your arm immobilized in a sling for about six weeks. To protect your repaired tendons, you must continue to use the sling most of the time, even during sleep. The only exceptions are while bathing or doing exercises recommended by your doctor or physical therapist.
What to do if you tore your rotator cuff?
On the other hand, if you have a torn rotator cuff, surgery, followed by physical therapy, is the common course of action. Discuss your options with your doctor. Most surgeons use one of three surgical repair options: traditional open repair, mini-open repair, or arthroscopic repair. Patients rate all three approaches as providing ...
What sports are more prone to rotator cuff injuries?
Athletes who play overhead sports like tennis, volleyball, or baseball are more prone to rotator cuff injury and may need more extensive physical therapy.
How long does passive motion last?
The passive motion portion of your rehabilitation program lasts about six weeks.
What happens if you put too much strain on your shoulder?
If you put too much strain on a shoulder that is not sufficiently healed, however, you may injure the area or another part of your body. Resisting the urge to swing the club or throw a ball can be especially challenging if you are an athlete eager to get back to your sport.
Three factors that can affect how long you will be in pain after rotator cuff surgery
Every patient who has surgery is different, and how long you’ll be in pain after rotator cuff surgery will be different from friends or other people who have had this surgery. Three factors that can affect how long your pain lasts are:
Arrow PTR offers effective post-surgical rehab for rotator cuff surgery patients
Our team at Arrow Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation offers top-notch post-surgical rehab for people who have had rotator cuff surgery. Wondering how long your pain will last after your surgery? We can perform a free screening that can narrow down how long your pain could last.
What Is Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery?
Not every rotator cuff tear needs to be repaired. In fact, one study reported that up to 46% of the general population may have a rotator cuff tear on imaging, despite not complaining of any pain or weakness. 2
4 Stages of Post-Operative Physical Therapy
Following a rotator cuff repair, the affected arm is usually placed in a sling by your care team. You will be told not to actively move your arm for multiple weeks.
Summary
Rotator cuff repair surgery involves fixing torn or damaged tendons in the shoulder. This surgery typically requires four stages of physical therapy as you recover. In the first two to eight weeks after surgery, you'll limit movement, wear a sling, and work with a PT on passive stretching. In the second stage, you'll work on active stretching.
A Word From Verywell
Recovering from a rotator cuff repair requires both persistence and patience. While most people eventually see improvements in their pain, range of motion, and function, these benefits can take time. 4
What can you do 2 weeks after rotator cuff surgery?
Physical therapy typically begins at about two weeks post-op, after the surgeon has rechecked the patient. Formal physical therapy in this phase should involve passive range of motion manually (by the physical therapist) or through passive exercises.
What happens at 3 weeks after rotator cuff surgery?
3 weeks to 6 weeks- Post-acute recovery During this stage pain usually is less and your therapist should be monitoring your pain during ROM activities. 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.
Can I drive 2 weeks 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.
How long after rotator cuff surgery can I lift my arm?
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.
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 PT so painful after rotator cuff surgery?
The other major reason patients have pain after rotator cuff surgery is due to stiffness of that shoulder. It is common after rotator cuff surgery to have some stiffness due to the fact that the operation caused the arm to be held without motion for some time.
How long will I need pain medication after rotator cuff surgery?
Post-operatively, we’ll treat them with a pain medication, both orally as well as typically an interscalene block. And that gives patients usually about 48 hours of good pain relief after surgery.
How to do rotator cuff surgery?
Do’s after Rotator cuff surgery: 1 Move your fingers and thumbs in and out of your fist 5-10 times an hour. Try to put your finger right on your fist. 2 Always hold the sling unless you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy. If there are conflicting instructions from your doctor and therapist, please meet your doctor to clarify. 3 Take a shower, but make sure to cover your shoulders with something protective like plastic from getting wet. It may be easier to take a sponge bath until the suture removal. 4 Change your bandage 4-5 days after surgery and cover the incision with a bandage. The incision can remain open when it stops flowing. 5 Move your shoulders while walking as much as you can. It is essential to keep the blood flowing in your legs to prevent blood clots. 6 Use your hands to write. 7 Move your elbows up and down and close to your body when not in the sling. 8 Sleep carefully. Avoid sleeping on the side of your surgery hand. 9 Watch for complications 10 Do physical activity, as suggested by a physical therapist. 11 Feel comfortable 12 Watch your hand movements. 13 Check diet 14 Manage by taking medicines and by ice therapy 15 Take care of your surgical incisions.
How often should you put your finger on your fist after rotator cuff surgery?
Do’s after Rotator cuff surgery: Move your fingers and thumbs in and out of your fist 5-10 times an hour. Try to put your finger right on your fist. Always hold the sling unless you are changing clothes or doing physical therapy. If there are conflicting instructions from your doctor and therapist, please meet your doctor to clarify.
What is the procedure to examine a rotator cuff?
Diagnostic images such as X-rays and MRI can help gather more information, and another option is to perform an arthroscopic examination of the rotator cuff. Rotator cuff surgery is usually performed arthroscopically. This is a minimally invasive technique where the surgeon inserts a camera and small instruments through small incisions.
How to cover shoulder after suture removal?
It may be easier to take a sponge bath until the suture removal. Change your bandage 4-5 days after surgery and cover the incision with a bandage. The incision can remain open when it stops flowing.
Why does my shoulder tear?
However, sometimes a sudden injury or repetitive movements can damage the muscles and tendons in your shoulder and cause the rotator cuff to tear. Your shoulder joint is made up of a group ...
How to prevent blood clots after a sling surgery?
Use your hands to write. Move your elbows up and down and close to your body when not in the sling. Sleep carefully. Avoid sleeping on the side of your surgery hand. Do physical activity, as suggested by a physical therapist.
Is shoulder surgery painless?
Conclusion: Although the goal of surgery is to restore a painless and functioning shoulder, there may be limitations depending on the age and size of the tear. Overall, about 90% of patients are satisfied with their shoulder after cuff repair and experience significant improvement in function after surgery.
How soon can you drive after rotator cuff 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.
Can I take my sling off after rotator cuff surgery?
Your arm will be in a sling or other device to prevent it from moving for 4 to 8 weeks. Always use the sling when you are walking or standing. If you are sitting or lying down, you can loosen the sling, but do not remove it. This lets your elbow straighten without moving the shoulder.
How long do you need physical therapy after rotator cuff surgery?
Rotator cuff surgery recovery usually consists of immobilizing the shoulder in a sling for seven to ten days, physical therapy with passive and assisted motion for six weeks, followed by physical therapy with active motion for six weeks.
How long after rotator cuff surgery can you sleep in a bed?
Avoid sleeping flat on your back. Bolstering yourself up in your bed with several pillows or with a 45 degree wedge that you can purchase at a medical supply store will help you rest. Often, patients have to sleep with an incline for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
What can you not do after shoulder 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.
Is rotator cuff surgery worth having?
Surgery may be a good idea if you tore your rotator cuff in a sudden injury and the tear is making your shoulder weak. But surgery can’t fully reverse problems that occur over time with wear and tear of the rotator cuff.
What happens at 3 weeks after rotator cuff surgery?
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.