Things I Wish I Knew Before Shoulder Surgery for Easier Recovery

Things I wish I knew before shoulder surgery often center on practical steps that ease the process. Patients frequently face challenges with limited mobility after procedures like rotator cuff repair or arthroscopy. Prepare your home ahead by stocking easy meals and placing daily items within reach. Arrange help for tasks that require two hands. Focus on pain control with ice and prescribed medications. Start gentle exercises if your doctor recommends prehabilitation. Commit to physical therapy for better outcomes. These steps help manage expectations and support healing.

Quick Answer

Things I wish I knew before shoulder surgery include preparing for weeks in a sling, arranging daily help, and investing in ice therapy for comfort. Expect gradual progress through physical therapy, with full mobility taking months. Prioritize rest and follow restrictions to protect the repair.

Table of Contents

• What to Expect in the First 72 Hours After Surgery
• How to Sleep After Shoulder Surgery (Incline, Recliner, Wedge)
• How Long You’ll Wear a Sling (And How to Use It)
• Nerve Block: What It Feels Like and How Long It Lasts
• Pain Control Without Overdoing Opioids
• Showering, Dressing, and Hygiene Tricks
• Setting Up Your Home Before Surgery
• Eating, Nausea, and Constipation After Anesthesia
• When You Can Drive After Shoulder Surgery
• Back-to-Work Timelines (Desk vs. Manual Jobs)
• Physical Therapy Milestones and Timeline
• Safe Arm Use: Movements to Avoid Early On
• Icing, Cryotherapy, and Swelling Control
• Sleep and Fatigue: Managing Energy in Weeks 1–6
• Red Flags and When to Call Your Surgeon
• What Full Recovery Looks Like (3–6+ Months)

TL;DR

• First 72 hours: rest, ice, organize help.
• Sleep on an incline; protect the sling.
• Expect 2–6 weeks in a sling.
• PT phases: passive → active → strength.
• Drive/work only when safely cleared.

What to Expect in the First 72 Hours After Surgery

Those first days set the tone. Focus on rest, pain control, and safe movement while the arthroscopy portals or rotator cuff repair settle. If you had a shoulder replacement, plan extra help with dressing and meals.
• Arrange a ride home; you’ll be groggy.
• Keep meds, water, and snacks at bedside.
• Set alarms for pain meds the first night.
• Expect hand/forearm numbness if a block was used. Northwestern Medicine
• Move fingers/wrist; keep the sling on. Mount Sinai Health System
• Short hallway walks prevent stiffness.
• Ice in safe intervals; protect skin. Olsen Orthopedic
• Don’t lift or reach behind your back. OrthoInfo
• Eat light; hydrate to reduce nausea. MyHealth Alberta
• Nap as needed; nights may be choppy.
• Keep incision dry per your surgeon. MyHealth Alberta
• Call if fever, foul drainage, or worsening pain. Mount Sinai Health System

How to Sleep After Shoulder Surgery (Incline, Recliner, Wedge)

Sleep is tricky at first. An incline, a recliner, or a wedge pillow reduces strain and keeps your shoulder safe while swelling settles.
• Start semi-reclined for several weeks. PhysioDC
• Use a wedge; adjust height slowly. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD
• Place a pillow under the forearm.
• Keep the sling on if advised at night. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD
• Avoid rolling onto the surgical side.
• Consider a body pillow for stability.
• Cool the room; heat can disrupt sleep.
• Pre-medicate (approved meds) before bed. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD
• Try short daytime naps to catch up.
• Lower the incline gradually each week. PhysioDC
• Skip stomach sleeping until cleared.
• Track what setup yields best sleep.

How Long You’ll Wear a Sling (And How to Use It)

A sling protects the repair while early healing occurs. Time in a sling varies by procedure and tissue quality.
• Typical range is 2–6 weeks. OrthoInfo+2denvershouldersurgeon.com+2
• Wear it in public and while moving. UCSF Health
• Loosen only for desk-quiet activities if allowed. UCSF Health
• Keep elbow at ~90°; avoid a droopy fit. Verywell Health
• Use abduction pillow if provided. denvershouldersurgeon.com
• Remove only for hygiene or therapy if cleared. denvershouldersurgeon.com
• Practice safe strap releases for elbow bends. denvershouldersurgeon.com
• Expect sleep, bathing, dressing challenges. PMC
• Recheck fit with your therapist. OrthoInfo
• Never drive while wearing a sling. OrthoInfo
• Watch for swelling or finger color change.
• Transition off sling per surgeon’s plan.

Nerve Block: What It Feels Like and How Long It Lasts

Most shoulder cases use an interscalene block. It can numb the arm for a day or two and reduce opioid needs.
• Expect numbness and weakness 24–48 hours. Northwestern Medicine
• Some blocks last closer to 24 hours. NHS Fife
• Catheter pumps can extend relief several days. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Protect the numb arm from burns or cuts. Northwestern Medicine
• Start oral meds before the block fades. Humber River Health
• Report breathing issues or severe hoarseness.
• Keep pump instructions handy if sent home. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Avoid driving until the arm is safe and meds stopped. OrthoInfo
• Mild tingling as feeling returns is common.
• Call if numbness persists beyond guidance.

Pain Control Without Overdoing Opioids

Balanced pain plans help you heal and sleep. A multimodal approach uses acetaminophen and NSAIDs (if allowed) with short-course opioids only when necessary.
• Take the first dose before block wears off. Humber River Health
• Alternate allowed non-opioids on schedule.
• Use ice in safe intervals for swelling. Olsen Orthopedic
• Elevate forearm/hand to ease throbbing. drmaxgreig.com
• Avoid alcohol while on opioids.
• Track doses; set reminders overnight.
• Add guided breathing for breakthroughs.
• Use a call bell/phone nearby at night.
• Step down opioids within a few days if possible.
• Ask about GI protection if using NSAIDs.
• Report uncontrolled pain to your team.
• Never crush or share medications.

Showering, Dressing, and Hygiene Tricks

Small upgrades make hygiene safer. A shower chair, detachable head, and careful incision care reduce falls and keep wounds dry.
• Arthroscopy: shower at 48–72 hours if cleared. MyHealth Alberta
• Open procedures: wait for explicit approval. MyHealth Alberta
• Sit to shower early on; take it slow. Ortho Bethesda+1
• Use front-button shirts and loose layers. Saint John Orthopaedic Surgery
• Keep toiletries at waist level.
• Strip-wash if sling makes shower unsafe. Royal Orthopaedic Hospital
• Dry with a robe; less shoulder movement.
• Electric toothbrush helps one-hand care.
• Long-handle sponge reduces reaching.
• Lean forward to air the armpit safely. MyHealth Alberta
• Avoid lotions near the incision early. MyHealth Alberta
• Re-dress seated; take your time.

Setting Up Your Home Before Surgery

Plan a one-handed life for two weeks. Prioritize button shirts, slip-on shoes, and placing essentials on lower shelves.
• Stock easy meals and high-fiber snacks.
• Pre-fill prescriptions and set a pill box. Alaska Orthopedic Specialists
• Move daily items to waist height. Saint John Orthopaedic Surgery
• Choose slip-on or Velcro shoes. Bahri Orthopedics
• Stage a bedside caddy for meds/water. Alaska Orthopedic Specialists
• Prep a recliner or wedge for sleep. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD
• Get a shower chair if balance is shaky. Sports-health
• Pre-slice freezer meals for one-hand use.
• Lay out front-button outfits for week one. Saint John Orthopaedic Surgery
• Lower coffee mugs and plates now. Saint John Orthopaedic Surgery
• Place ice packs or cold unit within reach. Olsen Orthopedic
• Arrange a friend’s check-in schedule.

Eating, Nausea, and Constipation After Anesthesia

Anesthesia and meds can slow the gut. Aim for fiber, stool softener, and steady hydration in week one.
• Start with light foods; add protein steadily.
• Hydrate small amounts all day.
• Consider stool softeners if your team agrees.
• Add yogurt/smoothies if meds upset stomach. Alaska Orthopedic Specialists
• Walk short indoor laps after meals.
• Ginger tea can ease mild nausea.
• Avoid greasy meals early on.
• Don’t strain; call if constipation lasts.
• Keep meds lists visible for caregivers. Cleveland Clinic
• Skip alcohol while on opioids.
• Track bowel movements briefly.
• Ask about fiber targets if unsure.

When You Can Drive After Shoulder Surgery

Driving mixes reaction time with safe arm control—and meds matter.
• Don’t drive in a sling; it limits control. OrthoInfo
• Never drive while taking opioids. OrthoInfo
• Typical guidance: 2–6 weeks, surgeon dependent. OrthoInfo
• Practice belt reach at home first.
• Start with empty-lot practice turns.
• Avoid night driving the first week back.
• Secure the shoulder with proper seat position.
• Bring a backup driver for errands.
• Stop if pain spikes or reflexes feel slow.
• Re-check clearance at post-op visits.
• Document the date you restarted.
• Prioritize short, local trips early.

Back-to-Work Timelines (Desk vs. Manual Jobs)

Jobs vary widely; align expectations with your surgeon and therapist.
• Desk roles may resume earlier than heavy labor. Ventura Orthopedics
• Schedule gradual half-days first.
• Confirm typing tolerance with sling guidance.
• Avoid lifting/overhead tasks at work.
• Request temporary duty adjustments.
• Plan extra commute time in week one back.
• Keep ice packs available at work.
• Stretch approved joints hourly.
• Reassess tasks at each follow-up.
• Expect timeline changes after pain flares.
• Document what triggers soreness.
• Ask HR for ergonomic aids.

Physical Therapy Milestones and Timeline

Rehab unfolds in phases: passive motion, active ROM, then strength phase.
• Passive phase often begins within 4–6 weeks. OrthoInfo
• Therapist supports the arm at first. OrthoInfo
• Active motion comes after healing signs. OrthoInfo
• Daily home exercises are essential. OrthoInfo
• Expect steady but uneven progress.
• Strength work ramps up in later weeks. Ventura Orthopedics
• Measure gains, not perfection.
• Don’t push into sharp pain. OrthoInfo
• Keep sessions even on “good days.”
• Warm up before home routines. OrthoInfo
• Log reps to spot plateaus.
• Celebrate function wins (shirt, seatbelt).

Safe Arm Use: Movements to Avoid Early On

Protect repairs by limiting risky positions: internal rotation, wide abduction, and heavy lifting limits early.
• No reaching behind the back at first. Vanderbilt University Medical Center
• Avoid sudden jerks or catching falls.
• Keep loads close to your body.
• Don’t lean on the surgical arm.
• No pushing from a low chair early.
• Use legs, not the arm, to stand.
• Slide objects instead of lifting.
• Ask before trying new gym moves.
• Use a cross-body strap for bags.
• Rotate household tasks with help.
• Keep pets from pulling the arm.
• Re-introduce motions per therapist plan.

Icing, Cryotherapy, and Swelling Control

Cold reduces inflammation when used wisely: cryotherapy, ice schedule, and elevation matter.
• Wrap ice; never on bare skin. Olsen Orthopedic
• 15–20 minutes, several times daily. Olsen Orthopedic
• Elevate forearm/hand to limit swelling. drmaxgreig.com
• Time icing after exercises.
• Keep spare gel packs rotating.
• Consider a shoulder-fitted cold wrap. Olsen Orthopedic
• Check skin for redness or numb spots.
• Don’t ice right before bed if it wakes you.
• Combine with deep breathing to relax.
• Log when swelling is worst.
• Pause if skin feels overly stiff.
• Ask about heat later in rehab.

Sleep and Fatigue: Managing Energy in Weeks 1–6

Even with better sleep setups, energy dips happen. A gentle nap routine, attention to circadian cues, and graded activity help.
• Keep consistent wake/bed times.
• Cluster chores after pain meds.
• Add a short walk before naps.
• Use white noise if needed.
• Pace social visits; keep brief.
• Favor high-protein breakfasts.
• Hydrate first thing each morning.
• Dim screens an hour before bed.
• Track what drains energy most.
• Break tasks into 10-minute blocks.
• Celebrate incremental stamina wins.
• Reassess weekly with your PT.

Red Flags and When to Call Your Surgeon

Know when to seek help: fever, drainage, or worsening numbness aren’t normal.
• Fever over your team’s threshold. Mount Sinai Health System
• Foul-smelling or increasing drainage. Mount Sinai Health System
• Calf pain/swelling or sudden shortness of breath.
• Severe, new numbness after block resolved. Northwestern Medicine
• Incision edges separating.
• Increasing redness streaking outward.
• Uncontrolled pain despite meds.
• Re-injury or a “pop” followed by weakness.
• Worsening swelling unrelieved by rest/ice.
• Any concern you can’t safely manage at home.

What Full Recovery Looks Like (3–6+ Months)

Patience pays off. Many return to daily life within weeks, but building strength and endurance takes months.
• Expect gradual shoulder confidence. Ventura Orthopedics
• Some repairs trend closer to six months. Ventura Orthopedics+1
• Night discomfort can linger a bit. OrthoInfo
• Push consistency over intensity.
• Respect aching after bigger days.
• Ask about sport-specific return tests.
• Keep home exercises in maintenance. OrthoInfo
• Book a 6-month check if unsure.
• Track function, not just pain.
• Celebrate range gains first.
• Reassess goals at each phase.
• Remember: every shoulder is unique.

FAQs

How long do I wear a sling after shoulder surgery?

Many patients need a sling for 2–6 weeks, depending on the procedure and healing. Your surgeon’s plan takes priority. OrthoInfo+2denvershouldersurgeon.com+2

How do I sleep comfortably after surgery?

Sleep semi-reclined with a wedge or recliner, support the forearm, and keep the sling on at night if advised. Jonathan L. Glashow, MD+1

When can I shower?

After arthroscopy, many can shower at 48–72 hours if cleared; open procedures often require waiting for approval. Keep the incision dry as instructed. MyHealth Alberta

When is it safe to drive?

Avoid driving while in a sling or on opioids. Clear timing—often in the 2–6-week window—comes from your surgeon. OrthoInfo

What will a nerve block feel like and how long does it last?

You’ll likely have numbness and weakness for 24–48 hours; catheter pumps can extend relief. Start oral pain meds before the block fades. Northwestern Medicine+1

When does physical therapy start?

Therapists usually begin passive motion in the first 4–6 weeks, then advance to active motion and strengthening as healing allows. OrthoInfo

How long is full recovery?

Light function can return in weeks, but robust strength and endurance may take 3–6 months or more, depending on the repair. Ventura Orthopedics+1

Conclusion
Things I wish I knew before shoulder surgery highlight the value of patience during recovery. Accept temporary limits on movement and daily activities. Consistent physical therapy builds strength and range of motion over time. Lean on support from family or friends for chores and emotional encouragement. Stay committed to your rehabilitation plan. Consult your doctor about your specific procedure.