How long do you wear a sling after rotator cuff surgery?

OrthoInfo notes that most people use a sling and avoid using the arm for the first 4 to 6 weeks, but the exact time depends on the severity of the injury, tissue quality and the type of repair. MedlinePlus advises wearing the sling at all times unless your surgeon says you don't have to. Your surgeon decides when it comes off.

Which exercises help after rotator cuff surgery?

It depends on the phase. Early on, a therapist moves the arm for you within your surgeon's limits; OrthoInfo notes that active exercises usually begin after 4 to 6 weeks and strengthening at 8 to 12 weeks. Follow your protocol rather than an internet routine, because loading a repair too early can stress it.

How long is recovery after rotator cuff repair?

Months, not weeks. OrthoInfo notes that most patients have a functional range of motion and adequate strength by 4 to 6 months, and ChoosePT notes that a full return to sports or heavy work may take nine months to a year. Your timeline depends on your repair and your rehab.

Do all rotator cuff tears need surgery?

No. Physical therapy is often part of care before surgery is considered, and ChoosePT notes that surgical options may exist if conservative treatment does not improve function. Whether you need surgery is a decision for you and your orthopedic surgeon.

Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Surgery Rehab in Buffalo

In rotator cuff surgery, the surgeon reattaches torn tendon to bone. That repair needs weeks of protection before it can handle your own muscles pulling on it, and months before it can handle real load. Good rehab respects both timelines. This page explains what rehab looks like at Lake Erie Physical Therapy in Buffalo, including the PT exercises for rotator cuff injury and repair that fit each phase, and why the order matters.

The sling period

OrthoInfo notes that most people use a sling and avoid using the arm for the first 4 to 6 weeks, and that how long you need it depends on the severity of the injury, your tissue quality and the type of repair. MedlinePlus advises wearing the sling or immobilizer at all times unless your surgeon says you don’t have to. During this phase, therapy protects the repair while fighting stiffness. Your therapist moves the shoulder for you (passive motion) within the limits your surgeon sets, and you keep the elbow, wrist and hand moving as allowed.

PT exercises for rotator cuff injury and repair, phase by phase

Phase 1: protect and move gently

Passive range of motion, gentle shoulder blade and posture work, and pain and swelling control. OrthoInfo notes that passive exercise usually begins within the first 4 to 6 weeks.

Phase 2: active motion

OrthoInfo notes that after 4 to 6 weeks, patients usually progress to active exercises, moving the arm with their own muscles. We work on reaching forward, overhead and behind your back, and on shoulder blade control, without forcing painful end ranges.

Phase 3: strength

OrthoInfo notes that strengthening typically starts at 8 to 12 weeks. Bands, light weights and progressive loading of the rotator cuff and the muscles around the shoulder blade build the endurance you need for daily use.

Phase 4: work, sport and overhead activity

ChoosePT notes that a modified return to sports, heavy lifting or other strenuous activity may not begin until four months after surgery, and that a full return may take nine months to a year. Throwing athletes follow a gradual return-to-throwing plan; see sports physical therapy.

Across phases, your therapist may use manual therapy to help restore motion, within your surgeon’s guidelines.

Why the order matters

Loading too early can stress a repair that hasn’t healed, and waiting too long invites stiffness. OrthoInfo notes that early rehabilitation lessens the likelihood of permanent stiffness, and that poor outcomes are more likely when patients don’t fully participate in rehab or don’t follow their doctor’s activity restrictions. Overall, OrthoInfo says to expect a complete recovery to take several months.

Other shoulder surgeries, and shoulders without surgery

Rehab after a labral repair or another shoulder procedure follows the same rule: your surgeon’s protocol sets the pace, so bring it to your first visit. Our post-surgical rehab page explains how we coordinate with surgeons. If your shoulder hurts and you haven’t had surgery, see shoulder pain physical therapy.

Call your surgeon’s office if

Physical therapy does not replace your surgeon’s follow-up care. MedlinePlus advises contacting your surgeon or nurse after shoulder surgery for:

Bleeding that soaks through the dressing and doesn’t stop with pressure
Pain that doesn’t go away when you take your pain medicine
Swelling in your arm
Numbness or tingling in your fingers or hand, or fingers that look darker or feel cool
Redness, pain, swelling or a yellowish discharge from a wound
A temperature higher than 101°F (38.3°C)

OrthoInfo also advises talking to your doctor if your pain does not improve within a few weeks after surgery.

What to bring

Bring your surgeon’s prescription and protocol, the operative report, your insurance card and a medication list. Wear a loose or sleeveless shirt that’s easy to manage around the sling. Coverage varies by plan, so please confirm with us before your first visit.

Out of surgery, or about to be? Call (716) 332-4838 or request an appointment, and bring your protocol to the first visit.

Sources

Written by the Lake Erie Physical Therapy clinical team. This page is general information, not a diagnosis; your physical therapist will assess your situation in person.

Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Surgery Rehab