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.
