Preparing for Rotator Cuff Surgery

Preparing for rotator cuff surgery is crucial to optimize recovery and ensure the best outcomes. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get ready:

1. Understand the Surgery and Recovery Process

• Learn About the Procedure
  • Know what will happen during surgery (e.g., repair of the torn tendons).
  • Understand post-op limitations (e.g., wearing a sling, avoiding arm movements).
• Know the Recovery Timeline
  • Discuss this further with your surgeon

2. Optimize Pre-Surgery Health

• Maintain a Healthy Diet: Focus on anti-inflammatory foods (fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids).
• Manage Chronic Conditions: Control diabetes, hypertension, or any other medical conditions.

3. Build Strength and Mobility

• Improve Shoulder Strength:

  • Strengthen surrounding muscles (biceps, triceps, deltoids, and scapular stabilizers).
  • Example: Light resistance exercises or band work as approved by your doctor.

• Maintain Range of Motion:

  • Perform gentle, pain-free stretches to prevent stiffness.
  • Example: Pendulum exercises (let your arm dangle and gently move it in circles).

• Strengthen Your Core and Opposite Arm:

  • Focus on your core and non-surgical arm, as they will compensate during recovery.

4. Prepare Your Home for Recovery

• Create a Recovery Station:
  • Recliner or comfortable chair (recliners are often easier than lying flat in bed).
  • Pillows to support your arm.
• Organize Essentials:
  • Keep frequently used items (e.g., phone, water bottle, medications) within arm’s reach.
• Prepare Meals:
  • Freeze easy-to-reheat meals to avoid cooking with limited arm mobility.
• Stock Up on Recovery Supplies:
  • Sling (provided by your surgeon).
  • Ice packs or a cold therapy machine for pain and swelling.
  • Button-up shirts or loose clothing for easy dressing.

5. Arrange for Help

• Transportation:
  • You’ll need someone to drive you home after surgery and to follow-up appointments.
• Daily Assistance:
  • Enlist help for household tasks, dressing, bathing, and meal prep during the initial weeks.
• Work and Activities:
  • Plan time off work or modify duties if necessary.

6. Mental Preparation

• Set Realistic Expectations:
  • Understand that full recovery can take 4-6 months or longer, depending on the severity of the injury.
• Practice Patience:
  • Recovery requires adhering to rehab protocols and avoiding overexertion.
• Visualize Success:
  • Use visualization techniques to picture successful rehab and return to activities.

7. Pre-Op Checklist

• Confirm Instructions from Your Surgeon:
  • Fasting guidelines if general anesthesia will be used.
  • Medication adjustments (e.g., stopping blood thinners).
• Prepare Documents:
  • Insurance, consent forms, and a list of current medications.
• Arrange for Post-Surgery Rehab:
  • Schedule initial physical therapy sessions in advance.

Author

Dr. Catherine Logan, MD, MBA Catherine Logan, MD, MBA, MSPT, is a sports medicine orthopaedic surgeon specializing in complex knee and shoulder surgery at Colorado Sports Medicine and Orthopaedics (COSMO) in Denver, Colorado. As a former physical therapist & trainer, Dr. Logan provides a distinct expertise in sports injury, prevention, and surgical management.