Back to Your Sport After Rotator Cuff Surgery: A Recovery Roadmap   

Are you an athlete scheduled for rotator cuff surgery? Whether you’re a weekend warrior or play competitively, you want to know when you’ll be able to get back on the court or field. 

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist Dr. Jonathan Shults with Coastal Empire Orthopedics says every rotator cuff surgery is different, depending on how many muscles need repair and whether you have a partial or full tear. For example, you might have a biceps tear as well as a shoulder tear. 

However, all patients need to follow certain guidelines for an optimal recovery. Rotator cuff surgery requires patience during your healing. You need to alert your team that you’ll be out of action for a while. But follow our roadmap for recovery, and you’ll be back in the game good as new. 

The first 6 weeks after rotator cuff surgery 

You’ll use a cold pack on your shoulder off and on for the first few days. You’ll also be on prescription pain relievers for several days after the operation. After the first week, you can transition to over-the-counter pain relievers. 

Your arm is in a sling, which you wear day and night for 4-6 weeks. You’ll sleep most comfortably in a recliner. You can rent a recliner if you don’t own one. 

Your doctor tells you not to move your shoulder away from your body during this initial recovery period. You’ll be able to use your hand and wrist to hold a coffee cup, for example. However, you’ll be instructed not to lift anything heavier than a coffee cup during these first weeks. 

After a few weeks, you’ll start physical therapy. Your shoulder receives passive movement as your therapist gently moves your arm. 

You’ll be able to return to work in 1-2 weeks if you have a desk job, but you can’t drive yet. If your job involves using your shoulder, Dr. Shults writes a note to your employer indicating your physical limitations. 

You won’t be able to drive until your sling is removed. Plan for family or friends to drive you to your doctor’s appointments. You’ll also need some help with bathing and dressing. 

Weeks 6-12 after rotator cuff surgery 

Your therapist introduces active range-of-motion exercises at this intermediate stage of your recovery. You’ll first lift your arm against gravity with no additional weight. You’ll gradually start using light resistance bands or small weights around week 8, increasing the amount of resistance each week. 

12 weeks and beyond after rotator cuff surgery 

Physical therapy usually lasts 3-6 months after surgery. Some patients require additional rehabilitation. Dr. Shults likely approves light physical activity such as gentle jogging, swimming, or light cycling at the 4-6 month mark.

As an athlete, you want to return to competitive play. Return to contact sports takes at least 6 months and can require up to 12 months or longer to ensure you don’t damage yourself by returning to play too soon. Your doctor may develop a progressive protocol for play during months 6-12 to ensure complete healing. 

Dr. Shults uses state-of-the-art arthroscopic surgery so that you recover as quickly as possible from rotator cuff repair. Call or message Coastal Empire Orthopedics in Savannah, Georgia, today if you have shoulder pain.