How long do I wear a sling after rotator cuff repair surgery

[@mamawfrancy]

My husband had reverse shoulder surgery & is now three weeks in.. when taking a shower, exercising, etc he forgets & moves his arm. Call me a stickler but I even tie his arm down close to his body while showering so he won't move it up or outward. After sleeping in his recliner for two weeks & witnessing the pain he's endured I'm making sure his healing is as successful as possible till his shoulder is properly healed.

[@nosaj3856]

I am 3 weeks out with a full tear of the supraspinatus, bicep tenedisis and subacromial decompression. My surgeon has me out of the sling a good part of the day. While sitting at my desk, eating and simple tasks. My pain is no more than an ache and PT is going very well.

[@marlinarobins4274]

Excellent video; I just completed six weeks after a minor tear and was instructed to let my wooby go. I’m doing great without it now that healing has begun. Still dull pain in the night but that’s expected for the next few months. I’ve got this!

[@Frideswide1]

I was in an external rotation sling post rotator-cuff repair, was allowed to sit without it immediately, which made using the ice machine much easier. I was told to wear it for four weeks when up and about and while sleeping. This is a newer approach to wearing the sling and was also the approach the surgeon used after my reverse total shoulder replacement a year ago. So, while online instructions are great, people need to make sure they align with what their own surgeon is requesting.

[@TheShoulderGuide]

Absolutely. Thanks for sharing.

[@randygentry2442]

I wore it till arm woke up…about 2 1/2 days…took no pills …kept it moving as my body would allow (barely at all at first)….15 min. ice in sink,go for a zombie walk..warm water in sink working forearm and hand 15 min .,go for zombie walk ,sit in recliner for 20 or so just kept rotating protocol couldn’t sleep anyway kept doing rotations of this till I passed out ….slept total of 2 -21/2 hour first week….but made it through it …healed amazing fast and when I was able to did rehab exercises…I also kept doing them beyond when rehab subscription was up…still have them in my warm ups to date…made a full and pain free recovery took a year ….but my standard is being able to overhead squat a barbell ATG. And I actually achieved that with better mobility prior to having 3 torn rotator cuff tears and labrum….I realize most people won’t have the dedication to do what I did and believe me it wasn’t fun …but if your a stubborn as I was about recovery it’s possible to shock your surgeon I did

[@randygentry2442]

@r laze shoulder replacement in some ways is easier because the brain gets no feedback from the ball socket joint(it can not assess how much pain it produces for protection)…so if you don’t feel pain than you move freely ..recovery from full replacement is much different….I had labrum / teres minor/infraspinatus/and subscapularis …the labrum was the worst to deal with recovering…you gotta remember pain is 100% made up by the brain it’s a assessment of threat….I hope your recovery goes well for you I have made a full pain free recovery at this point…getting here was not comfortable but where I’m at now is worth it

[@randygentry2442]

@r laze ok thank you for the added info of you specific situation…movement is for soft tissue repair…a synthetic joint don’t apply here also your pain assessment is skewed cause nerves don’t apply to a replacement joint..I just followed the protocol that powerlifters/pro athletes use to recover…I know a few personally…In your case without me being a surgeon I don’t know how long it takes for that prosthetic to ankor in…but I would say the sooner you get moving the less atrophy and mobility loss therefore the faster and more complete the recovery…without nerve feedback I’m not sure how to approach the timeline tho

[@Zerpersande]

I wore my immobilizer for 2 months. I’m currently wearing a standard sling but sleeping with the immobilizer. My surgeon described mine as massive. He tried arthroscopic method but had to switch to open surgery, but didn’t have to harvest tissue elsewhere for the repair. I was in the hospital for a month and had physical therapy from the day after surgery. The PT was Mon-Fri. Currently PT is twice a week and will probably continue for another 5 months. The Japanese system is conservative. But, hey, a month long stay in the hospital cost me about $450. That’s with both the national health plan and some supplemental insurance through my company. And I do have to pay about $8 for each 1 hr PT session.

[@DOLRED]

Yep I noted the sling shifts allowing the hand to fall lower than the forearm and you have to readjust the sling strap over the shoulder by shifting it backward to correct this (PIA). It's almost a constant awareness issue for me--annoying. Thanks for the input.

[@mpb1472]

Very good video. I think some of the mentioned variances in wear time may have more to do with the size of the tear you have. Whether it’s small, medium or large. I had a large tear with a bone spur removed. I am wearing a sling with abductor pillow for 6 weeks. I remove it to shower, exercise and when seated (pillow under arm) while watching TV. So yes, there is protocol to follow. I am a PT as well. I want to remove it all the time now at 3 weeks out but I will be compliant.

[@TheShoulderGuide]

Hi Michael, thanks for watching and commenting. Are you still working as a PT? After your recovery of course! What state are you in?

[@mpb1472]

@@TheShoulderGuide Yes. I am approaching my 29th year as a PT assistant at a hospital in CT. I primarily work with total knee and hip patients post surgery. I am looking forward to returning to work until retirement in 2024 and then frequently playing golf.

[@AnilKumar-gx8jv]

How many days sling bag be used for greater tuberosity fracture

[@Dsuji245]

Mine is 3 weeks. Small tear plus frozen shoulder.

[@patlsmith404]

I know that answer…wear it as long as my Orthopedic Surgeon says! Exactly what I’m doing now…5 wks to the day. Temp is 100 outside and 150 in my sling when I’m out.😳🥵😎Your AUsome…with you were my Therapist!🥰👍🏼😎

[@TheShoulderGuide]

Haha, yeah those things get really hot. Stay cool and thanks for the kind words.

[@deeznutzz8375]

Great video Doc!

[@TheShoulderGuide]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@martinpaquet9958]

I had to have 2 rotator cuff surgeries on the same shoulder it’s started January 25th 2021 , first surgery was august 9th 2021 ,after 9 months I still couldn’t lift my arm past shoulder height ,had 2nd MRI with the medical dye put in ,only to discover that a second rotator cuff was also torn that surgery was October 3rd 2022, it’s now august 9th 2023 I’m still in so much pain , tried going back to work on July 31 /2023 , my shoulder today is in so much pain ,I don’t know what to do anymore, been going to physio 2 times a week since January and it’s still in pain , I think they brought me back to soon

[@clyderutter10]

I Just Love how This Moron explained this Peace of Shit Harness!!!! It's The Most expensive government designed & issued to Medicare patient. It's been 3 months & My PAIN 😫 Awful, Sleeping is Impossible!!! So Sorry if This sounds like a Rant, But The Whole Staff knows this Gadget is The WORST...

[@berthaleesanagustin9891]

Your not alone. Trust me just had rotator cuff surgery this 2024 of June & still I am in so in pained that makes me want to give up. So painful & was told that, there are 2 screw was involved due to damaged. I cried every night I couldn't sleep. So hard to deal with this pained.. my other shoulder is also needed surgery & I can't take the pain any more. So I guess will continued taking pain relief cream or medication. Your not alone...God blessed

[@DrBoFitCare]

Another gem!

[@kittenklaws410]

I have lost faith in my surgeon (not affiliated with this PT or his area) I just had rotator cuff surgery for a complete and traumatic tare on 12/3/21. I am in Pennsylvania. I was given a sling prior to surgery but the surgeon's office never fitted it to me or gave me any instructions. When sent home from surgery no waist pillow was on, arm hanging due to nerve block. A friend who had the same surgery put the waist pillow on and adjusted my sling for me. I have a donjoy 3 and asked surgeon about getting the 4 due to neck pain. And the reply was you should be out of that sling in a week...that was 5 days after surgery. Something else was repaired because I have a 4 to 5 inch cut on my upper arm. No stitches or steri-strips, I guess I was just glued shut? Surgeon also has me in PT 3 days a week already. I understand everyone is different but please communicate that! I love your videos and the great information you share. I am looking forward to my follow up appointment this week. Thank you!

[@TheShoulderGuide]

There is a strap that pulls the main strap away from your neck. I discuss it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmO2Yn19Ys-df7s

[@TheShoulderGuide]

You are right. It is important to know what to expect, what was done, what is normal. Usually I would expect 6 weeks in a sling. Starting PT quickly is not unusual. I see some patients the day after surgery while others wait a couple weeks. You could ask for a copy of the operative report or your therapist could request it. Your therapist could go over what exactly was done and what the normal restrictions and protocols would be.

[@CarlosMorales-tp5wy]

Great video. Thanks

[@georgejohn9893]

How does one sleep?

[@TheShoulderGuide]

Hi George, most individuals will sleep in a recliner for the first couple nights or weeks. If you don't have a recliner using pillows or a pillow wedge to help find a comfortable position seems to work.

[@MrSeaneboy]

Ive been in the Lazy boy for 3 weeks. Sleep cause involuntary movements that are often painful.

[@SteveOgdenHollywood]

Im in my 6 week. sleep has been terrible a couple hours a night, and a nap during the day...sleep has the been the hardest thing.

[@marlinarobins4274]

I slept sitting up 4:45 on my couch with a set of soft dog steps behind me. Worked great for 6 weeks. It was easy to swing my legs off to get up without using my surgical arm.

[@SteveOgdenHollywood]

@@marlinarobins4274 Genius!

[@MrSeaneboy]

2 of my tendons were torn off, plus rotator repair. Im 60, surgeon told me 8 weeks

[@TheShoulderGuide]

Wow! Sorry to hear that. Thanks for sharing.

[@jn4166]

What does it mean when the doctors pn said in 6 weeks to weem off the sling.

[@shiningone3538]

You actually only mention 1 real reason why we have to wear the sling 24/7.. Protecting the surgical site.... I would have like alot more detail about that... rather than wear it because your told to.... There is no way I can reach or use my arm anyhow but I would like to know the reason why my arm can't just lay on a pillow next to me??? ... Remember we can't do anything but sit around most of the time in the first 4-6 weeks...ive watch a few other youtube videos as well... Haven't found anyone explaining why it has to be in a fixed position for 6 weeks and I'm not talking about using it... Thanks anyhow

[@andreabushnell4394]

5 weeks post-op for full tear... It is important to keep the tendon as still as possible after a repair is made. I severed a tendon in my leg years ago & had to wear a boot for 6 weeks, wasn't allowed to move it at all.

[@1960gal]

I had RC surgery with a 'severe tendon tear' (consultant's diagnosis not mine: I had no idea!). 6wks in a sling. Have to say I've had minimal pain. Wound healing well and the restrictions of having arm out of action hasn't been that bad, considering its my left shoulder and I'm left handed! (Got a wonderful husband who's been a great carer❤). Given exercises to do from Day 1 (shrugs/elbow bends etc). Had dressing changed on Day 7 and Consultant removed stitches on Day 14. He gave me a specific exercise instruction to do: support elbow with R. hand and lift L. arm up. 20 reps 10 x Day 😲 Blimey, I'd hardly be in a sling at that rate! Haven't quiet managed that but doing as many as l can. First Physio appointment in a few days...and sling off soon after that 👏 👏 👏 All-in-all its been pretty smooth. Think the work starts and ends with me now regarding doing my Physio religiously. One of my sisters had RC surgery 11yrs ago. She had a physical job at the time so had 7mths off work. She has never looked back! Good Luck everyone with your reovery🤞

[@JoyJones-s3g]

@@1960galmy op coming up before Christmas!

[@nhelwashington2509]

I had calcium deposit and rotator cuff surgery in my shoulder 3 months ago after 1 month on sling my doctor told me to not wear it and put me on pt. But my shoulder still hurting and i cannot raise my arm up.

[@TheShoulderGuide]

Hi Nhel, sorry to hear that. Are you working with a physical therapist? I have had patients experience this and there could be several reasons. What is your surgeon saying is the reason?

[@bonniesilva5162]

After rotator cuff surgery(cuff tear, labral tear, arthroscopy w/extensive debridement) I was given a "plain" sling, no abduction pillow on it. My question is, why?...Most videos I've looked at show individuals in abduction sling, even belted to their waist. (Also, post-surgical instructions say, "Sling as needed for comfort. Range of motion of your shoulder AS TOLERATED"! Seems questionable to me!)

[@TheShoulderGuide]

Hi Bonnie, thanks for the question. I just recorded a video response. Stay tuned, I am rendering and uploading shortly.

[@TheShoulderGuide]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3eYgWCefbRrqM0

[@berthaleesanagustin9891]

It depends on your surgery. My doctor told.me I had 2 screw in my shoulder. That means, it take 4-6 month to heal..

[@bradwilliams4921]

2 complete tears. 6 weeks 24/7. 3 weeks and so far so good…..I think.

[@caroldawson3193]

I've heard of ppl taking them off after 3 days isn't that way too soon.

[@caroldawson3193]

Yes everything is still healing u can take it off when showering or PT.

[@danapetrelli9827]

Ik moet 6 weken sling en abstractie kussen dag en nacht ik word er gek van

[@danapetrelli9827]

Kini mag actief 90 graden , ik mag pas na 6 tot 12 weken passief oefeningen doen geen idee war dat gaat zijn maaar die kussen maakt me zot

[@trishscharnowske1910]

Yes if you feel it itching and do you mean to you and your hand starts swelling definitely get to the doctor and make an appointment within I got it done about it not even about a week ago today and and there's a problem with my hand swelling and so they took off the my stitches are not out but they took off the put different dressing on it and took that off and put I had swelling in the hand they got to compression glove or I'd be in trouble so what you got to be your own Advocate too and call your doctor if you have a hand swelling or swelling and itchy now my God the itching so please watch yourself if it swells