Surgery and plastic How long will you be out of work after rotator cuff surgery?
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 return to work at this time. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you will probably need 3 to 4 months off.
Is rotator cuff surgery considered a major surgery?
It is well known that rotator cuff surgery is a major operation where the rotator cuff tendons (Figure 1) are sewn back to the upper arm bone (humerus) (Figures 2 and 3). The other major reason patients have pain after rotator cuff surgery is due to stiffness of that shoulder.
Do and don’ts after rotator cuff surgery?
Don’t…
- Don’t drive. Period. …
- Don’t do any lifting, pushing, or pulling.
- Don’t move your shoulder or reach with the arm that your surgery was performed on.
- Don’t remove the sutures.
- Don’t travel until cleared by your doctor.
- Don’t place any creams, ointments, Neosporin/Polysporin on the incision. THINK DRY!!!
What can I expect after rotator cuff surgery?
Your hand and arm may also be swollen. This is normal and will start to get better in a few days. It will be several months before you have complete use of your shoulder and arm. Once you have healed from surgery, you will need to build your strength and the motion of your joint with rehabilitation (rehab) exercises.
Can I use my hand after rotator cuff surgery?
You may use your wrist, hand, and elbow for daily activities. This includes eating, shaving, dressing, as long as you do not move your operated arm away from your body and it does not increase your pain. Do not use your arm to push up/off the bed or chair for six weeks after your surgery.
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.
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.
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 percentage of rotator cuff surgeries are successful?
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.
Can I take my sling off to sleep?
It is important you wear your sling in bed for the recommended period, unless you are instructed otherwise. We recommend you sleep on your back or unaffected side. When lying on your back we suggest you use a pillow underneath your injured arm for support.
What happens at 8 weeks after rotator cuff surgery?
For the first 6-8 weeks after surgery, your surgeon will ask you to wear a sling to protect the repaired tendons. The next phase of recovery, from 8-12 weeks after the surgery, is focused on getting the shoulder to move normally again, while still not doing any lifting that could pull apart the repair.
What is the fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery?
To ensure optimal results and the quickest possible recovery, follow these key tips.
- Wear 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.
Can you be awake for rotator cuff surgery?
Open tendon repair and arthroscopic repair can be done under general anesthesia, which allows you to sleep through the whole thing. They can also be done with a “regional block,” which allows you to stay awake while your arm and shoulder stay numb.
How soon can I drive 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.