Aftercare for Rotator Cuff Shoulder Surgery.

Surgery on your shoulder is usually a day-stay or over-night procedure.  It is  very important that you read and understand these instructions so that the benefits of your surgery are maximised. Take your time and read through this carefully, preferably with your partner or carer.

Pain Management.  

• Pain Pump with Local Anaesthetic.

On return from the operating theatre to the ward you will probably have a Stryker Pain Pump attached to your shoulder. This pumps a small constant dose of local anaesthetic into the operation site for the first 48 hours after your surgery. This helps to control any postoperative pain you may have.

The pump is removed at 48 hours. You will usually be asked to return to the ward to have it removed. This should only be removed by a doctor or nurse.

• Pain Tablets.

You will be given a prescription for painkillers to take home with you. Make sure you take a painkiller regularly for the first three days at least.

If you are taking other medications you may return to taking them after the surgery. Remember to take all medication, especially painkillers only as directed. Often taking more tablets does not increase the pain-killing effect, only the chance of complications.

Shoulder Exercises and Movement.

It is very important to maintain movement in your shoulder while it is healing. The sooner you start with this the better. You may wish to have a physiotherapist help you with your rehabilitation.

These are the exercises you need to do, starting on the day of your surgery.

Repeat them all as often as possible. Aim for four times a day for fifteen minutes.

 Exercise 1.

Do this initially while lying down until you get the hang of it. Using your good arm, support your operated arm under the elbow and lift it above your head like in the picture. Let your good arm do all the work. You may remove your sling to do this. You can also do this standing up.

Exercise 2.

While standing, lean forwards like in the picture and allow your arm to swing in a large circle as if you were stirring a large pot.   You may remove your sling to do this.

Exercise 3.

Lie on your back. Hold the stick with the operated side palm up and palm down on the un-operated side. Keep you elbows by your side and slowly push the from side to side. Keep the elbows bent to 90 degrees.

Exercise 4.

Remove your arm from the sling and bend and straighten your elbow fully in groups of 10. Also ensure that you move and exercise you wrist, hand and fingers regularly.  

Remember to wear your sling or “collar and cuff” for the first six weeks. You my remove it for showering or bathing.

 VERY IMPORTANT.

It is also very important to protect the tissues while they heal. If your rotator cuff tendons have been repaired, they will take up to six months to regain strength and therefore need to be protected during this time. The first three months are the most important. Therefore, for the first six weeks:

• Do not lift anything with your operated arm.
• Do not lift it out to the side of your body without support.
• Do not use it for activities above your head.

At your follow-up visit you will be given instructions on what to do next depending on your surgery and progress.  


Home | About Your Condition

The information on these pages is presented as a rough guide to help you understand your condition better. The information is in no way intended to be a comprehensive coverage of the subject. As all patients and their conditions are different, the treatment may vary from time to time. All patients are encouraged to take steps to ensure that they are as well educated about their conditions as possible. Other sources of information inc

Philip Allen Orthopaedic
P PO Box 1089, Coolangatta, QLD, 4225, Australia
T +61 7 55980977  F +61 7 55980016 E allen@bonedoctor.com.au
www.bonedoctor.com.au