Rotator Cuff Recovery

Rotator cuff recovery takes approximately one year.

Part of rotator cuff recovery after surgery involves pain management. Rotator cuff surgery involves the release of scar tissue and suturing tendons and bone. After surgery, a strong injection of pain medication is usually given. After a few days, pain medication that is taken orally usually handles the pain.

Rotator cuff recovery also depends upon getting the shoulder moving as soon as possible after surgery is performed. This will insure that scar tissue does not form again. A machine called continuous passive motion or CPM may be used right away after surgery in the recovery room…

The patient will be taught exercises before he leaves the hospital that will keep range of motion in the shoulder. These exercises will include stretching the shoulder forward and out to the side to prevent stiffness and adhesions from forming.

It is important to follow the physician’s recommendations about how much or little to use the arm directly after surgery. Since there is an incision made, cutting of the scar tissue and suturing tendons, it will take some time to heal before pushing the repaired tendons.

After surgery, the patient will experience difficulty in everyday activities such as dressing and driving. The patient will probably require some assistance for approximately three months. Lifting during this time is very restricted. It is usually recommended that the patient lift no more than a cup of coffee during this time period.

Patients can usually go home following surgery, as long as there is someone at home to help. It takes many months to restore comfort and movement to the shoulder area.

Smoking, poor eating habits and cortisone can slow down rotator cuff recovery. Diabetics will take a longer period of time to heal and may experience some additional scar tissue.

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