How hard is recovery from rotator cuff surgery?

During your recovery period, you will work with your physical therapist to regain motion and strengthen the area. The rotator cuff surgery recovery timeline can vary case by case, but a full recovery typically takes four to six months. It may take longer than that to return to heavy lifting.

What are the side effects of rotator cuff surgery?

In addition to the risks of surgery in general, such as blood loss or problems related to anesthesia, complications of rotator cuff surgery may include:

• Nerve injury. This typically involves the nerve that activates your shoulder muscle (deltoid).
• Infection.
• Deltoid detachment.
• Stiffness.
• Tendon re-tear.

What are complications of shoulder surgery?

General complications of any operation:

• Pain, which happens with every operation.
• Stiffness after shoulder surgery is not uncommon and can occur in approximately 10\% of people.
• Bleeding during or after surgery (<1\%).
• Infection of the surgical site (wound)(<1\%).
• Unsightly scarring of the skin (<1\%).

How do you care for someone after rotator cuff surgery?

10 Tips for Safely Recovering After Shoulder Surgery

1. Prepare Your Shower.
2. At Home Assistance.
3. Sleep in the Right Position.
4. Be Aware of Complications.
5. Practice Physiotherapy Exercises.
6. Take Care of Your Dressing.
7. Use Ice and Heat Compressions.
8. Consider Your Clothing.

Why does my neck hurt after shoulder surgery?

Neck stiffness does not only occur from an injury or trauma within the cervical region. It may also occur if a patient is recovering from a shoulder surgery or has been experiencing pain in the shoulder. Patients may experience pain or stiffness along the trapezius muscle or along the top of the shoulder.

What are the symptoms of a failed rotator cuff repair?

The degree of symptoms after a failed rotator cuff repair depends upon many factors. The typical symptoms of shoulders with un-repaired tendon tears are weakness with lifting above shoulder level or away from the body.

Why do I have shoulder pain after rotator cuff surgery?

The other major reason patients have pain after rotator cuff surgery is due to stiffness of that shoulder. It is common after rotator cuff surgery to have some stiffness due to the fact that the operation caused the arm to be held without motion for some time.

How long does it take to recover from rotator cuff surgery?

Full recovery after rotator cuff surgery often takes 4 to 6 months and in some cases longer. The critical factors that determine the length of the recovery are the size of the rotator cuff tear, the ability to adequately repair the tendons, and the commitment to rehabilitation. Knowing when to progress from one phase of rehab to the next is an art.

Can I sleep in a recliner after rotator cuff surgery?

Even a moderate ache in the shoulder can prevent a good night’s sleep. Many patients find it most comfortable to sleep in a semi-upright position after rotator cuff surgery; a recliner is perfect.