Shoulder Surgery Recovery
Each surgery is different, so each has a different recovery process. If you end up needing shoulder surgery, you may have a lot of questions about the recovery process. While it takes about three months to gain back your strength and range of motion, there many small details for what happens in that time frame. Here are some common questions about what shoulder surgery recovery entails:
When will I be able to go back to work?
Obviously this depends heavily on what line of work you’re in. However, it ultimately comes down to how comfortable you are. If you work in a sedentary job, we recommend definitely taking a week off and then go from there. Some people are totally fine after that point, and others need another week or 2. Usually you will not need more than 3 weeks to return to an office-type job. If your job involves physical labor, you will definitely need more time off. We recommend taking a couple months off if your job is physically demanding.
How much post-op care is needed?
You will be given a sling to put your arm in for about 3-4 weeks, and your wound will be bandaged. You will need cover it when you shower. It is recommended you have a friend or family member assist you for the first 7 days after surgery, since this is how long you will need to keep it totally dry. After that, the wound can get wet and you don’t need to put anymore dressing on.
For more information on specific surgeries, visit our post-op instruction page.
How much pain will I be in following shoulder surgery?
You will be prescribed pain medication to use if necessary. You will mostly experience soreness, and not much sharp pain unless you move your shoulder in a weird way or bump into it. To reduce pain, we recommend icing it for 30 minutes, then off for 30 minutes, throughout the day to help reduce swelling. Also try and keep your shoulder as still as possible, which the sling will help with.
Will I be able to sleep in a bed after shoulder surgery?
You can, but some patients experience discomfort sleep in a bed. If you’re one of these people, try sleeping in a recliner to help support your body more and ease any pain.
When do I start physical therapy?
Physical therapy will begin right after your first post-op appointment, which is about a week after the surgery. You will be prescribed physical therapy and recommended to some therapists that Dr. Koo works with.
Keep in mind this is just a standard guideline; even each shoulder surgery is different and may require different instructions. Please consult with Dr. Koo about specific post-op instructions.