5 Tips for Patients After Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery recovery starts before you leave the operating room. A little preparation ahead of time can make the first few days—and the weeks that follow—much easier. Here are five things we recommend every patient think about before surgery.

1. Get your sleeping setup dialed in!

Many patients are surprised to learn that sleeping after shoulder surgery can be challenging. Depending on your procedure, you may need to modify your sleeping position for 2–6 weeks or longer.

We typically ask patients to sleep on their back, with their sling, in a semi-reclined or upright position—think a recliner or wedge pillow. This can help minimize stress on the shoulder, keep it appropriately positioned in the sling, and reduce the chance of accidentally rolling onto the operative side.

It is important to have a plan for where and how you will sleep before surgery. Effective options include a wedge pillow, a reclining chair, or an adjustable/reclining bed. Extra pillows can also be helpful. Placing pillows along your sides and behind the elbow on the operative side can provide additional support and help prevent painful rollovers during the night.

The bottom line: Figure out your sleeping setup before surgery, not after

2. Know your plan for icing!

Icing is a simple, time-tested treatment that can help reduce swelling and pain after surgery.

We typically recommend icing for 20–30 minutes at a time using either an ice machine or a traditional ice pack. Both can work well. An ice machine can be more convenient because it eliminates the need to repeatedly refreeze and exchange ice packs.

Whichever option you choose, have it ready to go before surgery. If you are using an ice machine, make sure you understand how to operate it and have plenty of ice available.

The bottom line: Have your ice ready before you get home!

3. Have a plan for managing your pain

Most patients receive a “nerve block” before shoulder surgery. This can provide excellent pain relief during the first 12–18 hours after surgery. When the block begins to wear off, however, pain can increase significantly.

It is important to have a plan for managing this transition. We typically use a combination of icing, rest, and a multimodal pain regimen. Multimodal pain management means using different types of pain medications that work in different ways to provide effective pain relief while minimizing side effects.

Your surgeon and their team will help determine which medications are appropriate and safe for you. Ideally, have your prescriptions filled before surgery so that your medications are available when you need them.

The bottom line: Don’t wait until you are in significant pain to figure out how you are going to treat it.

4. Make sure your physical therapy is scheduled for the right time

Physical therapy is an important part of recovery after most shoulder surgeries. Your physical therapist will help you regain motion, strength, and function while following the restrictions and progression outlined by your surgeon.

The timing of physical therapy varies considerably depending on the type of surgery. Some patients may begin therapy within a few days, while others may need to wait several weeks. For example, after some rotator cuff repairs, protecting the repair during the early healing period is more important than immediately restoring motion.

Ask your surgeon when they want you to begin physical therapy and what type of therapy they recommend. Scheduling your first appointment before surgery can help prevent unnecessary delays in your recovery.

The bottom line: Know when you are supposed to start PT—and get it on the calendar!

5. Know who is going to help you after surgery

Plan to have someone with you on the day of surgery and, ideally, for at least the first 24 hours afterward. This person can help you get settled at home, assist with medications and basic activities, and monitor for any problems related to anesthesia.

Remember: after shoulder surgery, you may be relying heavily on your non-operative arm for a while. Many patients are required to wear a sling for up to six weeks, depending on the procedure. Everyday tasks such as getting dressed, preparing meals, bathing, and caring for children can be more difficult than expected.

Think ahead about who can help you during the first few days and weeks. Having that support arranged before surgery can make a big difference.

The bottom line: Arrange your help before surgery—you’ll be glad you did!