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. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you will probably need 3 to 4 months off. Most people can start activities with low risk of shoulder injury in about 3 months.
Patients with single shoulder surgery have to sleep at an incline for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery.
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.
Day 2 Post-Op Shoulder Surgery Recovery: For me, I think Day 3 was the hardest. I was trying my darndest to compartmentalize the pain, but the pain was making me nauseous and my brain and body were getting antsy from laying around all day. I did not eat as much as I probably should have, my stomach was still upset.
After surgery, you will be moved into the recovery room where you will stay for approximately two hours.
First Week After Surgery
You'll be able to use your elbow, wrist, and hand- but need to rest your shoulder. You can use ice to help with pain, as well as any painkillers as directed by your doctor.
First and foremost, it's important to rest after surgery. You should avoid any lifting or strenuous activities, as these can place too much strain on your shoulder and slow the healing process. Get plenty of sleep to help your body heal and allow yourself time to relax. Managing pain after surgery is also important.
Wearing Your Sling
Slings relieve tension and elevate your arm to the optimal healing position. Many patients wonder if they can take their sling off to sleep. Nearly every doctor will tell you this is not advisable. Wearing a sling is what keeps you from overworking your shoulder or moving it too much while it heals.
Rotator cuff repair is the most painful shoulder surgery(6). You may experience pain in the first postoperative days. Due to lack of movement, the shoulder will be stiff and it will increase your pain even more.
You may remove the sling to bathe, dress, and perform elbow range of motion several times a day. It is important to wear the sling while sleeping.
Take-home message for patients: you should restrict driving after shoulder repairs for at least 6 weeks. For me this includes shoulder stabilization procedures, rotator cuff repairs and shoulder replacements to name a few. Not all rotator cuff or labrum surgeries are “repairs,” however.
It is very important to wear your sling as directed by your doctor after surgery. The sling is typically used for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks 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.
Use the ice machine as much as possible when you get home at intervals of 30 minutes on and off. You should keep the ice machine for approximately two weeks. Do not use the ice machine while you are sleeping. If you were given a nerve block for anesthesia, it will wear off over 18-24 hours.
DON'T lift anything heavier than a glass of water. DON'T exercise beyond what your orthopedic doctor and therapist allow. Simple walking is very beneficial, along with the strengthening and stretching exercises you are prescribed. DON'T drive or operate dangerous machinery until your doctor gives the approval to do so.
You may remove your dressing 48 hours after your surgery to take a shower. You may let soap and water gently wash over your incisions, but do not scrub them. Pat them dry with a towel, then recover each of the incisions with a band-aid.
Your arm will be in a sling or other device to prevent it from moving for several weeks. Always use the sling when you walk or stand. If you sit or lie down, you can loosen the sling, but don't remove it. This lets your elbow straighten without moving the shoulder.
While this is true, these people have specific modifications to their car and steering wheel making driving “one armed” safer. The bottom line is that, if you need to be in a sling, you cannot drive. It isn't safe, especially if you encounter any surprises on the road.
If you cannot void within 8 hours of the surgery, you may need a catheter to empty your bladder. Your nurse may also give you medications to help you void after surgery. Make sure your surgical drain has been removed before being discharged. You will have a dressing and a drain in place after surgery.
Here are some recommendations for post shoulder op clothes: Loose front-fastening shirts or dresses that have large armholes. Anything that is easy to put on and take off without having to lift your arms will reduce strain on your injury and make recovery more comfortable.
Rest is key to recuperation, so try to stay as comfortable as possible. Use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a light cloth) to help reduce inflammation during the first three to five days after surgery. After that period, heat can provide some relief for pain and stiffness. Take medication as directed.