Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery: 7 Weeks After Surgery

Update after having started PT: 4 weeks after surgery I started physical therapy with passive range of motion exercises only. 6 weeks after surgery I began active range of motion. *** About my surgery: I was originally going to have an SLAP tear repair surgery (hence my mentioning it in my earlier, night-before video). But when he went in, my surgeon found more than he was expecting. My rotator cuff was torn, there was a ton of scar tissue, and my bicep tendon had attached itself to the cuff. He had to detach the two, plus fix the tear. The surgery was twice as long (2 hours) as it was supposed to be, and my recovery will be, too. My experience and recovery are atypical. If you're having a straightforward rotator cuff repair (or even rotator cuff + SLAP tear repair), I think, given my own research, your recovery will be a bit different from mine. Typically, you're not quite as immobilized as I am required to be. You can carefully remove your sling a day or two post-op for passive exercises, and you can start PT much earlier. Granted, every surgeon will have slightly different rehab instructions. Be sure to follow your doctor's to a tee! Surgeon: Dr. Warren Strudwick http://j.mp/MCd9K1 Physical Therapy: Sports and Orthopedic Leaders http://j.mp/QlNhFq