Rotator Cuff Repair

Wound care

Remove your surgical dressing on the second day after surgery. Leave steri-strips until your first visit. Cover incisions with waterproof bandages for showering; do not submerge the arm.

Sling

Wear your sling at all times except for hygiene and prescribed exercises.

Activity

Begin gentle elbow, wrist, and hand motion on day one. Sedentary work is often possible in 3-4 days if tolerable. No driving until cleared; avoid long sitting or travel for two weeks.

Ice

Use your ice machine or ice packs 20 minutes every 2 hours until your first post-operative visit. Keep a thin towel between the ice and your skin.

Medications

• Pain medicine (Norco or Percocet): 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 12 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take extra Tylenol with it.
• For constipation, use a stool softener (Colace, Senokot) or laxative (Miralax) as needed.
• If prescribed Journavx: 2 tablets before you leave for surgery, then 1 tablet every 12 hours.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy begins at your first post-operative visit, typically 7-14 days after surgery.

When to call us

• Fever above 101.5°F
• Pain that will not let up, or painful swelling / numbness
• Increasing redness or continuous drainage / bleeding from the incision
• A change in the color of the operated arm or leg
• Difficulty breathing, or excessive nausea / vomiting

For a true emergency, call 911. For non-urgent questions about your recovery, please contact our office.