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Your RecoveryRotator cuff repair surgery is done to fix a tear in the rotator cuff. It can also include cleaning the space between the rotator cuff tendons and the shoulder blade. This is called subacromial smoothing. You will feel tired for several days. Your shoulder will be swollen. And you may notice that your skin is a different colour near the cut (incision). Your hand and arm may also be swollen. This is normal and will start to get better in a few days. It will be several months before you have complete use of your shoulder and arm. When you have healed from surgery, you will need to build your strength and the motion of your joint with rehabilitation (rehab) exercises. In time, your shoulder will likely be stronger, less painful, and more flexible than it was before the surgery. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover. But each person recovers at a different pace. Follow the steps below to get better as quickly as possible. How can you care for yourself at home?Activity
Diet
Medicines
Incision care
Exercise
Ice
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take. When should you call for help?Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor or nurse advice line now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
Where can you learn more?Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd Enter S865 in the search box to learn more about "Rotator Cuff Repair: What to Expect at Home". How long after shoulder surgery can you use your hand?You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks after surgery. You should not reach behind your back with the operative arm. You may remove your arm from the sling to bend and straighten your elbow and to move your fingers several times a day.
Can I move my arm after rotator cuff surgery?You will not have complete use of your affected arm for a few months after surgery. You can use your affected arm for writing, eating, or drinking, but move it only at the elbow or wrist. Do not use it for anything else except prescribed exercises until the sling has been removed.
Do and don'ts after rotator cuff surgery?Do not put weight through your arm or lift anything for six weeks. ... . Do not try to reach above or behind you. ... . Do not lie on the operated side for a minimum of six weeks. ... . Do not get your bandage wet. ... . Do not take anti-inflammatory medications such as naproxen for the first twelve weeks. ... . Do not soldier on.. Can you move your fingers after shoulder surgery?But try to move your arm as little as possible. Your arm should bend at a 90° angle (a right angle) at your elbow. The sling should support your wrist and hand so that they do not extend past the sling. Move your fingers, hand, and wrist around 3 to 4 times during the day while they are in the sling.
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