What to Expect After Rotator Cuff Surgery - The First Five Weeks

This is a series of videos chronicling my journey with rotator cuff surgery and recovery. These videos were created to provide viewers an idea of what to expect from the night before surgery through full recovery. Updated videos are published regularly.

0:00 Intro
0:41 Different Outcomes
1:01 In This Video
1:33 Day 0
2:09 Day 1
3:19 Day 2
3:54 Day 3
4:09 Day 4
4:36 Day 5
5:40 Day 6
6:20 Day 7
6:55 Week 2
7:32 Week 3
8:18 Week 4
9:08 Week 5
9:40 Pain Level
10:38 Appetite
10:48 Digestion
11:09 Sleep Quality
12:22 Abduction ROM
12:44 External Rotation ROM
13:17 Flexion ROM
13:50 Elbow Extension ROM
14:07 Conclusion

[paulgross]

Since there are so many comments, I doubt anybody will see this, but if I can help just a single person, it'll be worth taking the time to do this. STARTING 2-3 WEEKS BEFORE YOUR SURGERY, begin practicing things you normally do with your soon-to-be unusable arm. For example, once you start driving again, if your left shoulder was the one repaired, you won't be able to use that arm to shut your car door after you get in. Think about that. My solution was to get my crow bar, rubber band a sock around the curved end so I don't scratch anything, and then use that with my right arm to grab the door handle to shut the door. Practice brushing your teeth with your other hand if your dominant arm will be the compromised one. Practice wiping with your other hand after going #2 if the hand you usually use is the one being disabled. Practice eating with your other hand - and see which foods are easy or hard to eat with one arm disabled. See what you can or cannot cook with one arm. Start using your computer mouse with your other hand. I could go on and on. What I did was dedicate an entire day where I basically kept my soon-to-be unusable arm behind my back and forced myself to use the other arm to see what I'd have trouble with, and then use the next 2-3 weeks to get used to using the other arm. Trust me on this, folks...you will thanks me a million times over. Good luck to you. Btw, I've had this surgery four times, so I know the drill. And one final piece of advice: your physical therapy is the only opportunity you have to control your own destiny in terms of the quality of your repair. You can have the best surgeon in the nation (mine certainly is one of them), but his or her work will be rendered useless if you don't work your ass off on the PT. The surgeon's success is largely determined by what you do at PT, not their ability.

[lesmoore]

i'm on week 4 and can not believe how much rom you achieved so therapy isn't pleasant .... some people are blessed with more flexability than others... some are double jointed.... some can do the splits... some will never do the splits no matter how much they stretch... everyone is the same but different ... everyone will heal at different rates...everyone's body deals with swelling differently... some people are dealing with arthritis also...some people can tolerate repeated pain on a repair better than others... i think you are the poster child for this type of rehab. You look like you are in great shape which makes a tremendous difference showing you have a great work ethic and determination... i'm sure you made your therapist's life easier... thanks so much for all of your content and your contribution to this community...

[tammygarland]

You explained this to perfection. I had my first shoulder done 3 years ago, and am going in for my other shoulder in June. How you described the pre and post was exactly what I had experienced. I've shared your video with a friend who is getting Rotator Cuff Surgery for the first time. I think he will find it helpful. Thank you!

[cf-kwqo]

Watch this, my husband will have this surgery in April

[Princess]

I am 64 and 12-days post-op and feel pretty good. I began PT 5-days post-op after all stitches were removed earlier that day. I used the Polar Ice Cube the first three days and did take Percocet that threw my system into a fit. Took stool softener as directed and thankfully, I’m back to normal. Today was first day of at-home passive PT. I have mild ache at ball of shoulder from pendulum swings but otherwise I’m fine. Did squats and may work abs (hollow holds) later. I live alone and don’t have anyone to help me off the floor, so a bit skeptical about any floor exercises at this time. 😂 My journey will be made more challenging because of my living situation, but I won’t allow that to deter me from making a full recovery and getting back to fitness. My goal is to get in better shape than I was before surgery. Thank you for your detailed timeline. Mine was almost a mirror image; however, I didn’t journal until today. The notes will be helpful when communicating with my doctor and therapists. I know this recovery is lengthy and I don’t intend to do anything to cause a setback although I’m dying to cut my grass, I won’t. 😊

[robertgriguol]

I'm a 60 year old, installing blinds for 43 years, fell off a ladder 300 mm off the ground and landed on my elbow, thus tearing my rotator cuff off the bone. Your video both inspired me but also scared me to the point whether I can even get back to my self employed role of income.
Many thanks for the informative post operation expectations.

[kristimarcom]

I gave an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon this week. My anxiety is high. I'm dreading the news that I will need surgery. I'm a single mother with no friends or family around to help. Scared and need encouragement.

[glennissnailham]

Im two weeks after surgery, and stitches out tomorrow after havving mumford procedure and cuff repair.This is my second repair, and not been too bad.

[americanpaisareturns]

My mother will be undergoing rotator cuff surgery next week. This information definitely helps prepare. Much appreciated.

[happychappylife]

I'm on day 3. It hurts not bad . Got the nausea. Got chest congestion This is so good thanks for all the in-depth vid.

[cellomoore]

people like you make the world a better place, thanks!!!~

[terrytaz]

Thank you brother for this positive video. My anxiety is high, as i also work out 5/6 days a week, headed into surgery next week. Im older than you, but im prayin for similar results as yours.peace

[carolyntunison]

Your info is spot on! I'm at the end of week 2 and have done pretty good. I'm looking forward to your next check in! Great job!

[jimyates]

Awesome service you provide, I am having my 2nd Rotator Cuff surgery, non-dominant arm this time. Dreading it, your video was encouraging.

[stevegoss]

So here it is 3 years later. I had my surgery yesterday. Your video is very informative. I have a general idea now of what to expect. Day one I woke up with no pain because I still have a nerve block. Thank you for posting the video. You have helped me a lot. I have liked and subscribed to your channel.

[jchrysta]

Great post, amigo. My surgery is in two days and I'm going to apply your lessons.

[KennethCastro-go]

Summary was impressive, thank you. You are a blessing. I’m currently in recovery from a horrible motorcycle accident which tore both of my shoulders. Left-full tear, right-partial tear. We went to see a surgeon and he told me that I had a “frozen shoulder”, he didn’t recommend surgery. I ended up seeing a second surgeon which did not recommend surgery either. Currently I’m curious after speaking to some folks what to push for, they said surgery is the last choice. After watching your video it seemed like is not as bad as I was told.

[phillipdale]

Really really appreciate this video! You helped me calm down a bit as I am preop for this surgery ...much appreciated !!!your a gem for doing this video for us all!

[mica]

I'm day 11 from rotator cuff surgery sleeping has been the hardest part pain is more of a dull ache stopped taking pain medication after 4days Thank you for the video

[Marx]

Getting all these procedures next month - thanks-definitely prepping in advance