RehabFAQs

how long is rehab after shoulder surgery

by Dr. Evans Swift Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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During your recovery period, you will work with your physical therapist to regain motion and strengthen the area. The rotator cuff surgery recovery timeline can vary case by case, but a full recovery typically takes four to six months. It may take longer than that to return to heavy lifting.Nov 29, 2019

How long is the recovery period after shoulder surgery?

Sep 24, 2014 · The first phase of recovery can potentially last up to 6 weeks after the surgery. You will be instructed to keep the shoulder as immobile as possible and to keep your arm in a sling. The use of the sling keeps the weight of your arm off of …

What is the average recovery time for shoulder surgery?

Nov 01, 2021 · Most people have good shoulder function after shoulder replacement surgery in about three months to one year. That depends on how quickly they recover from the pain and swelling around the new artificial shoulder implant. Full …

How can I speed up shoulder surgery recovery?

Jun 16, 2020 · Overall, recovery from shoulder surgery generally takes about six months, including the following phases 1: Post-operative Immediately after surgery, you may remain in the recovery room for monitoring for an hour, and sometimes longer.

How long does shoulder injury take to heal?

With shoulder exercises and rehabilitation, most individuals can move their arms enough to start driving after around six weeks. Given your range of movement restrictions following shoulder surgery, particularly if the surgeon reattached torn rotator cuff tendons, you will understand why you shouldn’t drive for the first six weeks.

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How long does shoulder rehabilitation last?

You will need rehab. This will probably start 1 to 2 weeks after your surgery and last for 4 to 6 months. 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.

How long should you do physical therapy after shoulder surgery?

How many weeks of physical therapy do you need for rotator cuff surgery? Generally, a patient wears a sling for the first two to three weeks and begins physical therapy one week after surgery. The physical therapy program typically lasts for three to four months.Dec 20, 2021

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 long after shoulder surgery can I move 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.

How long will my shoulder hurt after surgery?

Post-Operative Period up to 6 Weeks Pain will vary from person to person and depend on the extent of the repair to the shoulder. The frequent application of cold packs to the area will help to reduce the swelling and the pain. The first phase of recovery can potentially last up to 6 weeks after the surgery.May 3, 2019

How do you rehab a shoulder after surgery?

Best Post-Surgery Shoulder ExercisesAssisted Shoulder Elevation. This exercise can be performed sitting or lying down. ... Rotator Cuff Strength. In a standing position, place your arms a little behind your back and clasp your hands together. ... Reaching Exercises. ... Internal Rotation. ... Shoulder Adduction.Aug 2, 2019

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.

Why is shoulder surgery so painful?

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.

What is the most painful shoulder surgery?

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.

Which surgery is worse knee or shoulder?

Summary: Contrary to widespread belief, total surgical replacement of arthritic shoulder joints carries no greater risk of complications than replacement of other major joints, a Johns Hopkins study suggests. Total shoulder replacements are as safe as swapping out hips and knees, according to Hopkins researchers.Mar 27, 2007

How long should you sleep in a recliner after shoulder surgery?

Sleep on an Incline. Sleeping on an incline for 4-6 weeks after surgery is best. For the first week or two, a recliner may be the most comfortable option. Purchasing a 45 degree wedge from a medical supply store can also provide a stable base to prop yourself up in the bed.Aug 3, 2021

Can I take my sling off to sleep?

0:481:57Living With a Sling: Tips for Sleeping and Sitting Comfortably - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you can at this point in time use a pillow to help take the stress not only off the shoulder.MoreAnd you can at this point in time use a pillow to help take the stress not only off the shoulder. But also maybe even more importantly off the other side of your neck. So you're still in the sling.

How to recover from shoulder surgery?

For the first several weeks following surgery, you may work with a physical therapist to perform gentle, assisted exercises to help regain movement and range of motion in your shoulder.

What to expect after shoulder surgery?

What to Expect During Shoulder Surgery Recovery. People recovering from arthroscopic shoulder surgery generally have similar recovery timelines, but your personal timeline depends on your injury, the type of surgery you have, and how healthy you were before the surgery. These estimates may help you plan for the recovery period.

How long do you stay in the recovery room after surgery?

Post-operative. Immediately after surgery, you may remain in the recovery room for monitoring for an hour , and sometimes longer. As you fully regain consciousness, your doctor may advise you on wound care, pain management, and methods for controlling inflammation. This might include cold therapy to help reduce both pain and swelling. 2.

How to help shoulder pain after shoulder surgery?

As you start the shoulder surgery recovery process, consider using Game Ready to provide active cold and compression, both right after surgery to help control inflammation and as you work through physical therapy . Using cryotherapy and active compression ...

How to heal a swollen shoulder?

You will have stitches and a bandage on your shoulder. The stitches may dissolve on their own, or a doctor may need to remove them in a week or two. Most people may be able to remove the bandage within a few days. 3 Your doctor may also immobilize your shoulder in a sling for at least 7-10 days. The immobilization may last even longer, because emerging research suggests longer immobilization periods may improve healing. 4 Be prepared with loose-fitting clothing that does not require you to move your arm when dressing. During this time, it is also a good idea to get help from friends and family for activities such as cooking and driving.

What is the function of the shoulder?

Because of this, it performs in almost all of your typical daily activities, including reaching for food on shelves, brushing your teeth, and getting dressed.

How to recover from shoulder surgery?

Place the inside of your forearm against the wall, after turning 180 degrees. Perform steps two through five again. Regular exercises for restoring flexibility and motion to your shoulder and returning slowly to your daily activities is essential for a full, successful recovery from shoulder surgery.

How long after shoulder surgery can you exercise?

Active exercise: Moves your shoulder and arm by using your muscles beginning up to three months following your surgery.

Why does my rotator cuff hurt?

Causes and Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Problems. Sometimes, your rotator cuff tendons can become pinched by the surrounding bones or can tear. Issues like these can happen due to an injury such as falling on your arm. However, wear and tear over time can do a number on your shoulder as well, causing severe pain.

What is the anatomy of the shoulder?

The Anatomy of the Shoulder. The shoulder is a complex joint capable of more movement than other joints in the body. It’s made up of several bones. Clavicle, or collarbone. Humerus, or upper arm bone. Scapula, or shoulder blade. Besides bones, other components are responsible for function and movement.

How to stop pain from shoulder?

Use a cold pack to reduce inflammation and pain. You can use a bag of peas wrapped in a light cloth, or you can buy an ice pack and place it directly on your shoulder for about 20 minutes every few hours for your first three to five days.

What is the synovium?

Your synovium, which is a thin membrane, lines the capsule’s undersurface. It makes synovial fluid that provides lubrication for your shoulder joint. Rotator cuff: You have four tendons surrounding your shoulder capsule that help center your arm bone in your shoulder socket.

How long after stitches are removed can you rinse?

Change your dressing as the doctor instructs until they remove your stitches. Typically, this occurs a week following surgery. After your doctor removes your stitches, they might allow you to rinse the wound. Don’t soak the incision site in a bath or take long showers. Make sure you dry the wound thoroughly after your shower.

What to do after rotator cuff surgery?

The first days after rotator cuff surgery are focused on ensuring that your pain control is adequate. Your doctor will prescribe medications to help with discomfort. Trying different types of medication can be helpful; many doctors recommend alternating prescribed narcotic medications with anti-inflammatory medication.

How long does it take to repair a rotator cuff?

Rotator cuff surgery is an outpatient procedure. Overnight stays in the hospital are generally unnecessary. The surgical procedure usually takes a few hours, depending on the extent of work needed to repair the torn tendons. After surgery, your arm will be placed into a sling.

Why is it important to strengthen the rotator cuff?

Because of the injury, surgery, and early phases of recovery, the muscles of the rotator cuff have become weak. Once the repair has adequately healed, it is important to begin strengthening the muscles to allow you to resume your normal activity level.

Who is Jonathan Cluett?

Jonathan Cluett, MD, is board-certified in orthopedic surgery. He served as assistant team physician to Chivas USA (Major League Soccer) and the United States men's and women's national soccer teams.

What is recovery phase 2?

Recovery Phase 2: Active Motion. Active motion is initiated when there is sufficient healing of the tendons to allow them to start moving the arm, but before any extra resistance is applied . You may be limited to active motion for up to 12 weeks from the time of surgery. Active motion means that you can move your own arm, ...

What is passive motion?

Passive motion means the rotator cuff muscles and tendons are not doing any work. When the rotator cuff muscles contract, tension is placed on the repair that was performed. Passive motion means that the shoulder moves without placing tension on the repair.

How to stop shoulder pain from getting worse?

1 . Always try to prevent the pain from becoming severe by taking smaller doses of pain medication at the early signs of discomfort, rather than large doses when the pain is more severe.

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