If you have recently undergone a torn rotator cuff repair for the first time you must likely have many questions as to how to achieve the best outcome. Having gone through this procedure myself and having treated hundreds of patients after this operation, I have fielded many of the same questions most patients have about their outcome. This post will attempt to answer some of the most common ones to result in a positive experience and best functional outcome.

A. Do I have to wear a sling and if so, how often? – If your cuff tear was less than 1 centimeter in length, this is considered a small tear or repair and you may be placed in a standard sling for comfort. Typically your doctor will have you war this as needed for a week or two. Tears larger than 1 cm or complete tears will need immobilization in a sling for 5-6 weeks, only taking it off for hygiene and prescribed exercises. A wedge type maybe placed on in recovery to place the joint in the safest most optimal position for healing. Nevertheless, always follow your doctor’s post op instructions.

B. How long will recovery take? – Optimally you should be using your shoulder for normal functional activities in about 8-12 weeks. This will vary with the size of the torn rotator cuff repair, commitment to rehab, and other factors that can affect your length of recovery, include diabetes, and pre-surgical level of function and range of motion. In addition, if a well-designed program is not followed you can actually end up with a frozen shoulder, some of which require a frozen shoulder manipulation to correct.

C. When can I drive again? – Your doctor will have the final say as to when you will begin driving again, however, if your rehab goes well you should be able to drive about week 8 and/or when you can turn a steering wheel in the direction away from your body with the surgical arm without pain.

D. When can I return to work? – If your employer allows light or modified duty then you may be able to return to work after the first few weeks. Your doctor will have to sign off on a work release and give specific instructions as to what you are allowed or not allowed to do. If no light duty is available then you will have to wait until your doctor releases you without restrictions. However sometimes the doctor knows there will be some restrictions or limitations that fall outside of your previous pre-morbid capabilities. In this case he may order an FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation) which is basically a formal test to determine what you can and cannot do. It is typically administered by a licensed physical therapist. The therapist or person giving the test will assign or recommend a “physical demand classification” after analyzing the test. This will help in placing you in a job that can accommodate your restrictions.

Above all, I cannot recommend enough that your stay consistent with your physical therapy and home program. Research well where you are going to therapy and if possible try to get one that specializes in the treatment of frozen shoulder or disorders/dysfunctions of the upper extremity.

You Owe It To Yourself To Check Out This Valuable Resource: