What to Expect After a Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery

You have been suffering with shoulder pain for months, attempting to address it with anything and everything. You have gone through physical therapy, taken medications, had injections all without any improvement in your symptoms. You have an MRI and the doctor tells you that you have a rotator cuff tear that should be repaired. What next?

Omaha Physical Therapy Institute provides expert care when it comes to rehabilitating a rotator cuff tear or surgical repair. You will actually enjoy your physical therapy sessions and feel better after them! We do not push patients through pain and perform a lot of education on how to move, stretch, and relax in order to control pain levels which allows for a smooth and comfortable rehab process.

Helpful Tips for Rotator Cuff Surgery

If surgery is recommended, it can be a scary ordeal. Sometimes the more you can be prepared, the less anxiety you can have leading up to the surgery. Here are some helpful tips for you to know going into your rotator cuff surgery:

It will be uncomfortable at times.

This is not being said to scare you but more to calm your fears when you do feel some discomfort after the surgery. Some pain is VERY normal. There are things that you can do to assist with decreasing pain levels such as take the medications as prescribed by your surgeon, ice intermittently throughout the day, do your physical therapy stretches or movements, and take deep, relaxing breaths.

Get ready to sleep in a recliner.

Because of our anatomical structure, lying down flat on your back or side after a rotator cuff tear can be more irritating and can tug or put pressure on the surgical site so be prepared to sleep at more of an incline either on a recliner or propped up in bed with lots of pillows to allow you to find your comfort position.

Your physical therapy does NOT have to be painful.

Initially after surgery, most surgeons want you to only perform passive motion to the shoulder, meaning that you are not actively controlling the motion with the muscles surrounding your shoulder. Your physical therapist will show you ways to allow for some movement of the shoulder that does not activate your rotator cuff as well as perform some passive motion on you.

You may not be able to go back to work right away.

If you work a job where you don’t have to use that shoulder/arm, give yourself at least 5-7 days for recovering at home before getting back in the grind. When you do plan on going back, give yourself small doses of work time if allowed. For instance, try just going into work for 2-4 hours the first 2-3 days then slowly add more hours as you tolerate. When you have surgery, your whole body is focused on recovery so small amounts of activity can seem like they fatigue you faster than normal.

Listen to your surgeon and your physical therapist.

Follow all of the precautions that they tell you! If you want this surgery to have the best possible outcome, don’t try to do too much, even if you are feeling good. There is a reason for all of the limitations the surgeon puts on you, especially in the first 6-10 weeks after surgery in order to protect the area that has been fixed. Your physical therapist is there to coach you and remind you of these precautions and guide you in regards to what home exercises you should focus on.

Get ready for a sling.

You will most likely have to wear a sling after surgery for at least the first few weeks, depending on your surgeon’s protocol. If you have the sling ahead of time, practice putting it on and taking it off before surgery so that it might make it slightly easier to use after surgery when you have swelling and stiffness in that shoulder.

Don’t plan on driving for the first 7-14 days after.

Depending on what medication you are on and your surgeon’s protocol, do not plan on being able to drive right after your surgery. Make sure to make arrangements for rides to appointments ahead of time.

You will have restrictions with lifting with that shoulder for several months.

Depending on the severity of your tear and your surgeon’s protocol, there will be restrictions with lifting for several months. Typically, there is a progression with passive range of motion only without any active use of the shoulder followed by weeks of working towards actively moving your arm. Then you can start a light progression with resistance exercises when your surgeon allows.

Remember, most of the time with a surgery like this, there is delayed gratification, so BE PATIENT and follow your surgeon’s and physical therapist’s recommendations/precautions! If you have any questions or need physical therapy for a rotator cuff tear and/or surgical repair, give us a call at (402)934-8688.

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REHABILITATING A TORN ROTATOR CUFF?

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“Katie is the best PT in the world! I truly appreciate her patience, enthusiasm, and knowledge. I am now back playing softball and loving it!” –Jessi (ACL surgery)

“Going to physical therapy at OPTI was something I looked forward to every week. Katie not only helped me with the physical part but she also got me through the mental obstacles of recovery. She is the only therapist I know that will take her patient out on the field and work with them one-on-one. Katie and Brent made me feel comfortable and they could always make me laugh through the frustrating times in rehab.” –Ally B.

"My orthopedic surgeon suggested physical therapy for my tennis elbow. I had no idea where to start? I called my PCP and was referred to OPTI…I couldn’t be more satisfied with the therapy I received from there. Everyone is nice starting at the front desk with Lori! I would recommend them hands down than any other place in town. Thanks OPTI!" –Stephanie (Tennis Elbow)

"I really appreciate how much Brent helped me get back into playing collegiate baseball after my shoulder surgery. He gave me comfort, hope, and strength during a tough time and I am grateful for it." –Mike (Shoulder surgery)

“Something I would want people to know about OPTI is that I was able see the same physical therapist every single visit. Most people do not realize that this is unfortunately unique about OPTI. I went to a different PT clinic initially for my injury and found out I was being seen by a college student who was a technician there so I switched to OPTI. It is a night and day difference in quality of care between the two clinics.” – Claire B.

“As an orthopedic surgeon, it is comforting to know that my patients are getting the attention they deserve. They are the most trustworthy PT’s in the area. I have even sent family to them.” – Orthopedic Surgeon in the Omaha area

“The one on one attention was great. I liked that everything we did tied back to soccer. My rehab was soccer-specific and I was able to get some sessions in at the Athletes In Motion Clinic out at the Omaha Sports Complex which was pretty awesome! I felt confident in returning to play!” – Paul (Ankle Injury)

“This note is no doubt long overdue, but comes with enormous gratitude that only continues to grow. This September marked three years since my ACL repair, and each day since I have been blessed with the ability to be fully active, play any sport my heart desired, continue coaching the beautiful game of soccer, climb new mountains (literally) and take on countless adventures and challenges. I certainly have your impressive expertise and fabulous patient care to thank for much of that. So, with all of my heart (and my healthy-thanks-to-you-right-knee), I am grateful. Thank you for leaving a positive permanent impact in my life!” – Becca (ACL Surgery)

“As an athlete, soccer is my life. ACL Reconstruction surgery could have ended my career. I am forever grateful to Omaha Physical Therapy Institute (OPTI) and their Athletes In Motion (A.I.M.) program. OPTI’s team got me back into action and I am back playing the sport I love. OPTI has the best Physical Therapy team in Omaha.” – Mayme Conroy, UNL Soccer, Redditch United F.C.

“I did most of my rehab at the A.I.M. clinic. It was awesome! From the first day, I knew I was going to make it back to pitching. Having the turf and the nets to throw and pitch into helped me get my confidence back.” – Brandon (Tommy John Surgery)

“I am so grateful for the care I received from Marc. He was gentle and kind and helped my back so much.” – Bonnie (Low back pain)

“I have had a total knee replacement on both knees but have gone to two different places for physical therapy. Omaha Physical Therapy Institute was so much better than the first place I had to go to. I was able to see Brent every time and his approach to getting my knee to straighten and bend was a lot more effective and less painful than the other place.” – Diane T.