5 Tips for Returning to Sports After Rotator Cuff Surgery

Rotator cuff tears affect about 2 million people each year in the United States. If you’re an athlete, full recovery after a shoulder injury is critical to getting back on the court, field, or rink as quickly as possible. Returning to sports (and thriving) is possible with the right treatment.

See the orthopedic surgeons at Summit Orthopaedics in Lake Oswego, Oregon, for an evaluation to determine if you need rotator cuff surgery. 

Who needs rotator cuff surgery?

The experts at Summit Orthopaedics determine if you need rotator cuff surgery based on the type and severity of injury you sustain. They often first suggest trying nonsurgical options like rest and ice, physical therapy, or injections. If you have continued pain or your injury is severe, surgery restores your shoulder joint, allowing you to safely return to sports and other activities. 

Tips for returning to sports after shoulder surgery

To resume sports training after rotator cuff surgery, following these simple tips:

1. Follow your homecare instructions 

It’s vital to follow your aftercare instructions exactly as directed by our specialists to ensure effective, prompt healing and a full recovery. You’ll wear a sling after surgery, get plenty of rest, take medications, and gradually ease back into exercise. Avoid overdoing it. You might need to wear your sling for 4-6 weeks.

2. Don’t resume sports too soon

Easing back into sports training too soon after surgery makes you prone to reinjury. Recovery after rotator cuff surgery often takes 4-6 months, depending on the type of injury you had. Get your surgeon’s approval before resuming running, jumping, contact sports, weightlifting, and other types of sports training.

3. Do physical therapy regularly

Physical therapy is a vital part of recovering from a rotator cuff injury. Attend physical therapy sessions with a skilled therapist and complete exercises yourself at home as directed by your provider. The types of stretching and strengthening exercises you’ll be asked to complete will evolve over time as healing continues to progress.

4. Avoid sleeping on the affected side

To maximize healing, avoid sleeping on the affected side of your repaired shoulder for at least six weeks or as directed. Get in the habit of sleeping on your other side or your back during the healing process to avoid reinjury.

5. Know the warning signs of overdoing it

While you may be eager to get back out on the court, field, or rink, return to training gradually, avoid overdoing it, and recognize the signs you’re doing too much too soon.

Call Summit Orthopaedics if you experience weakness, pain, popping sounds, stiffness, tenderness, redness, or swelling and get the OK from your surgeon before participating in any sports activities (especially contact sports) post-surgery.

Ways to Reduce the Risk of Shoulder Reinjury

To avoid future shoulder joint injuries, take a few simple precautions to stay healthy. Warm up thoroughly before any upper body activity, focusing on dynamic movements that prepare the shoulder joint. Stretch regularly, ensuring good flexibility in the shoulder and surrounding muscles, and avoid overtraining or sudden increases in intensity that can strain the rotator cuff.

When engaging in sports or activities that put stress on the shoulders, wear appropriate protective equipment. Pay attention to your form when lifting weights or performing overhead movements, ensuring proper technique to minimize strain on the shoulder joint. Gradually increase the load and intensity of your workouts, allowing your shoulders to adapt.

If you've experienced a sports injury and are wondering if you need rotator cuff surgery, contact us today by calling the Summit Orthopaedics office or using online booking to schedule an evaluation.