How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery?
Full recovery after rotator cuff surgery often takes 4 to 6 months and in some cases longer. 3 The critical factors that determine the length of the recovery are the size of the rotator cuff tear, the ability to adequately repair the tendons, and the commitment to rehabilitation.
What is the average recovery time for rotator cuff surgery?
While there is significant variability, the average overall recovery time following rotator cuff repair is approximately six months. Once everything is healed, we generally allow patients to get back to all activities as tolerated. However, it is a good idea to avoid any unnecessary overhead lifting over the long term.
What is the success rate of rotator cuff surgery?
Similarly a review of the literature for repair of small to medium tears (1 - 3 cm) where repair was assessed using imaging showed a success rate range of 60 - 79%, with an average of 74%. Overall the data indicates a modest success rate in structural restoration of the rotator cuff by surgery.
When can you return to work after rotator cuff surgery?
Your ability to return to work after a rotator cuff repair depends a lot on what type of work you do. If you have a desk job then you are typically able to return to work and use your arm 6- 8 weeks after surgery. If you can work with one arm in a sling then you can return to work sooner.
How long before I can lift my arm after rotator cuff injury?
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.
What happens the first few days after rotator cuff surgery?
For the first few days after surgery, some patients find it more comfortable to sleep in a chair that reclines or with pillows propped up on their bed. Some patients purchase a shoulder support pillow system to use during recovery.
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.
What is the fastest way to recover from rotator cuff surgery?
8 Tips to Speed Recovery After Rotator Cuff SurgeryWear a sling. To speed recovery, it is important to keep your shoulder immobilized initially after surgery so your tendon can heal. ... Sleep carefully. ... Ask for help. ... Watch for complications. ... Do the physical therapy. ... Keep comfortable. ... Be mindful of your movement. ... Pace yourself.
How long does it take to heal a rotator cuff?
24 hours . Rotator cuff repairs are usually performed with you asleep and you should be able to go home within a day. You may be given a nerve block to numb the area during the operation. The effects last a few hours, so as those wear off you’ll take further pain killers to make you more comfortable.
How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery?
For many rotator cuff patients, six months is a key staging post on the road to a full recovery. By now your shoulder should be feeling stronger, and routine tasks will be returning. You will start to do lifting and pushing work again, from raising yourself out of chairs to gentle gardening or even manual labour.
How long does it take to heal a shoulder?
8-12 weeks. After passive and active motion, the third phase of rehab is strengthening. This usually starts from around eight weeks. You’ll begin work on the exercises that your physiotherapy gave you earlier on the timeline. The aim here is to rebuild the shoulder muscles that have deteriorated after long inactivity.
What happens when you tear your rotator cuff?
A rotator cuff injury is what happens when one or more of the four key muscles and tendons around the shoulder joint suffers a sprain or tear. While many heal naturally over time, some need surgery. This often involves re-stitching torn tissue to the bone – and that will make the area very sore and delicate afterwards.
How long does it take to recover from a syringe infection?
2 weeks. By two weeks, the most uncomfortable stage of recovery should be over. Most patients are able to reduce their pain relief at this point. This is also the stage where you will return to hospital to have your dressing and stitches removed.
When can you sleep on both sides of your shoulder?
Somewhere around the month to six-week mark, you’ll be able to lose the sling and begin to sleep on both sides again. We’ll phase in some limited ‘active motion’ of the shoulder, too. Active motion means you can begin to move the shoulder, but not against resistance.
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.
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.
What is the best way to hold your arm after rotator cuff surgery?
After surgery, your arm will be placed into a sling. A sling that holds the arm slightly away from the side (an abduction sling) is generally recommended for rotator cuff repair surgery, as these hold the tendons in a more relaxed position. You will remain at the hospital until your pain is adequately controlled.
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.
How long can you move your arm after a sprain?
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, but not against resistance. 1
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.
Is rotator cuff surgery rehab?
People having rotator cuff surgery should understand each step of rehab as a good outcome is highly dependent on the healing and rehabilitation that follows surgery. Here is a timeline of the major steps following rotator cuff surgery.
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.
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 to get a rotator cuff to work?
Start a more aggressive rotator cuff program as tolerated. Start progressive resistance exercises with weights as tolerated. Continue to seek full shoulder range of motion in all planes. Increase the intensity of strength and functional training for gradual return to activities and sports.
What muscles are strengthened by rotating the arm?
By rotating the arm from the neutral straight-ahead position, to the externally rotated (out to the side) position, the infraspinatus and teres minor are strengthened. Again, this exercise can also be performed while lying on your side with the elbow close to your hip and flexed ninety degrees.
How to strengthen supraspinatus?
The supraspinatus is strengthened by holding a light weight (initially 3 - 5 lbs) out straight in front of the body, with the thumbs pointed toward the floor. Slowly elevate the weight to above the head. Stop if pain is produced in any portion of this motion, as the rotator cuff is under maximal stress in this position.
How long does it take for a rotator cuff to heal?
A traumatic rotator cuff usually heals in two to four weeks. However, if the injury is serious or if it is a chronic wear injury, it can take months to recover. If the pain is interfering with your daily activities or you injure yourself again, your doctor can recommend: Steroids. Soreness in the shoulder joint can be relieved with ...
What is the best treatment for a rotator cuff injury?
When a rotator cuff injury occurs suddenly, it is always possible to treat it at home. Treatment options include: Over-the-counter medicine. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are anti-inflammatory pain relievers that can help alleviate shoulder pain. Rest.
How to treat rotator cuff pain?
When a rotator cuff injury occurs suddenly, it is always possible to treat it at home. Treatment options include: 1 Over-the-counter medicine. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen are anti-inflammatory pain relievers that can help alleviate shoulder pain. 2 Rest. Every physical activity that induces or aggravates the shoulder pain must be avoided. 3 Ice. Swelling and discomfort can be reduced by the use of a cold compress. Every few hours, use for 15 to 20 minutes. 4 Heat. You should use a heating pad to relieve any discomfort in your shoulder until the pain has subsided. 5 Stretching. To make your shoulder more stable, your doctor will prescribe regular exercises that you can do at home. It could be beneficial to do these in a hot tub.
What is the role of the rotator cuff in the shoulder?
The rotator cuff aids in the lifting and rotation of the arm as well as the stabilization of the shoulder’s ball inside the joint.
How to make your shoulder more stable?
Stretching. To make your shoulder more stable, your doctor will prescribe regular exercises that you can do at home. It could be beneficial to do these in a hot tub.
How to relieve shoulder pain?
Ice. Swelling and discomfort can be reduced by the use of a cold compress. Every few hours, use for 15 to 20 minutes. Heat. You should use a heating pad to relieve any discomfort in your shoulder until the pain has subsided.
Can a rotator cuff tear be extended?
Over time, a rotator cuff tear may lengthen or widen. This can happen as a result of repeated use or a re-injury. Following a minor injury, patients with known rotator cuff disease often experience acute pain and weakness. This is most likely an extension of an existing tear.
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.
What to do if pain is not controlled with pain reliever?
If your pain is not controlled with a pain reliever, or for any reason, you cannot tolerate the medication, contact doctor. If you have a problem or concern, please contact the doctor. Complications are rare, but knowing the signs is essential.
