Shoulder Surgery Timeline

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How Long After Shoulder Surgery Does Pain Last?

Pain after shoulder surgery shoulder last 3 to 4 weeks after surgery in most people.

Post-operative shoulder pain will vary from person to person depending on the extent of the shoulder surgery. Depending on the type of shoulder surgery, your doctor might place you in a shoulder sling/immobilizer. Your doctor will encourage you to keep your shoulder very still in the sling and might allow you to get out of it depending on their shoulder protocol. 

Woman experiencing shoulder pain.

What is the Fastest Way to Recover from Shoulder Surgery?

The fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery is to follow all the post-operative instructions from both the doctor and from physical therapy/occupational therapy. Below are tips on how to recover fast from shoulder surgery.

1. If you physician issues you a shoulder sling, please wear your shoulder sling properly as prescribed. The time frame in which you will be wearing the shoulder sling can be from at least four to six even sometimes twelve weeks. This will depend on doctor’s protocol.
2. Take your pain medications and anti-inflammatories as prescribed. It is very common to have post-operative pain after surgery. Yes, this is very normal. The key is to decrease post-operative inflammation with the combo of meds as well as the use of ice. At the same time try to decrease the use of meds if needed to avoid dependance.
3. Avoid “using” your arm or make unnecessary movements when in or out of your sling. During the key phases of recovery certain movements may cause or surgery to fail. Depending on your surgery, there are sutures that keep muscles and tendons in place. The first few weeks are key in making sure these stay in place. If you move your shoulder incorrectly, you could pop these out. Certain movements that you should avoid are lifting objects when not cleared, reaching your arm behind your back of overhead.
4. Attend physical therapy as instructed. Physical therapy is very key in your overall recovery. During physical therapy, you will have a treatment program that will consist of range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and flexibility exercises.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Shoulder Surgery?

For minor shoulder procedures, recovery can take 3 to 6 weeks. For major procedures, like a shoulder replacement, recovery can take up to 6 months or longer. 

When Can I Walk After Shoulder Surgery?

You can walk once the anesthesia has worn off after shoulder surgery. Short walks in the house are usually fine for the first 2 to 3 days. Pain medication may make you less stable at first so have some one near you if you feel unsteady. 

What Can You NOT Do After Shoulder Surgery?

Don’t do these after shoulder surgery:

1. Removing the shoulder sling when you are not supposed to. Patients are very tempted to remove the shoulder sling because its uncomfortable, it’s hot or just down right refusing to wear it. The reason you are in the sling is to position your shoulder in a position of proper healing and to remind you not to move your arm.
2. Resuming sport or recreational activity too early. You might be tempted to return back to throwing a ball, fishing or lifting weights because “you might feel really good.” Just because you feel good does not mean you might be ready for activity. Your shoulder might be weak or unstable thus risking re-tearing your shoulder.
3. Lifting or raising your arm when not cleared especially with weight or resistance.
4. Skipping Physical Therapy. Missing physical therapy can slow down your progress due to risk of the shoulder stiffening up as well as strengthen might decrease overall. There are certain phases of recovery and if you miss these you have a chance of your surgery failing. 

Also if you have recently had a shoulder surgery watch our video on How to Properly Put on an UltraSling 4 or Dressing the Upper Body After an Injury or Surgery

By: Robert Lim, PTA

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