Returning To Normal Life

Returning to normal life after rotator cuff surgery is a gradual process. Some physical activities, such as walking, are encouraged almost immediately. Others, such as lifting heavy weights, should be avoided for much longer, and perhaps forever.

The majority of people who have had rotator cuff surgery, though, can perform most everyday tasks with relatively little discomfort within about three months of having surgery.

It is certainly safe to return to driving, for example, three months after surgery.

Pain Relief

The pain and discomfort that led to rotator cuff surgery should improve noticeably three to four weeks after surgery. The discomfort and pain due to surgery itself will also subside gradually. It's common to experience soreness and even pain while performing physical therapy exercises, especially in the morning, when joints are stiffer.

If pain is managed properly, the likelihood of a full recovery is significantly enhanced. Over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen are especially useful because they also reduce inflammation. Ice applied to the joint (but not directly on skin; place a towel on the skin first) can also provide quick, effective relief for both pain and swelling.

If pain is not controlled, it can be harder to perform necessary exercises. Physical therapy is crucial to recovering flexibility and strength in the injured shoulder.

When To Return To Work?

Whether and when you return to work will depend mostly on your occupation.

• Some people who have had rotator cuff surgery and work at desk jobs can return to their old jobs within a week or two.

• Some must wait as much as six months.

• Others have to find a new line of work as a result of having rotator cuff surgery.

Performing certain types of work before the shoulder has completely healed can be dangerous.

Individuals who use their arms to perform physical tasks should use only the arm that was not operated on. Someone who performs physical labor requiring both arms may have to wait as long as six months before returning to work. The exact length of time will depend upon the demands of the job.

Doctors usually recommend that individuals who have had rotator cuff surgery avoid certain occupations completely. If you work at a job that involves heavy manual labor, lifting, climbing, or the use of heavy tools, you may have to consider a different type of work.

Continuing An Exercise Program

A long-term exercise program is crucial to recovering from rotator cuff surgery. Proper exercise will continue to improve strength and flexibility in the surgically repaired shoulder.

Cardiovascular activities that work the heart and lungs without straining the injured shoulder are also beneficial. Such activities include walking and bicycling. Three months after surgery, it's also appropriate to begin swimming. Ask your doctor, however, before doing the crawl, since it puts strain on the injured shoulder.

When To Play Sports Again?

Because many sports put pressure on the shoulder and rotator cuff, it's extremely important not to play sports before the shoulder has adequately healed. The timing for return to each sport depends on:

• The nature of the sport

• The extent of the original injury

• How well the repaired tendons have healed

• The individual's progress in physical therapy

Walking (with the surgically repaired arm in a sling) is a healthful exercise that can be started immediately after surgery.

Other activities require a longer wait:

• Swimmers and runners should wait three months before returning to action. Swimmers should ask their doctors whether the surgically repaired shoulder is strong enough to do the crawl.

• Bowling requires at least a four- to six-month recovery period. Golfers should also wait four to six months before resuming play. When they return, they should start slowly, with putting and chipping. As the surgically repaired shoulder grows stronger, they can hit soft iron shots. Driving off the tee should be the last thing to attempt.

• Sports that place a great deal of strain on the shoulder, such as tennis, baseball, softball, and racquetball, require at least a six-month recovery period.

• Falling likewise puts enormous strain on the surgically repaired rotator cuff. Individuals who have had rotator cuff surgery should wait at least a year before participating in sports like football, hockey, downhill skiing, and wrestling.

• Lifting heavy weights also requires at least a yearlong recovery period.