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Rotator Cuff Repair

Stephen M. Desio, M.D.

  1. After your rotator cuff surgery, there will be a bulky bandage over your shoulder and your arm will be in a sling. There may be a small pillow attached depending upon the extent of the surgery. This sling takes the pressure off the repaired tendons. It is to remain on at all times unless told to you by Dr. Desio that it may be removed.
  2. The sling may be worn outside your clothes. To dress, place the operative arm in a button type shirt first. Then insert the nonoperative arm and button shirt. Then, place arm in sling and secure straps of sling until snug.
  3. A Cold Therapy Cold Pack may be placed on top of your bandage after surgery. This is connected to a cooler that you will fill with ice and water. Cryotherapy is also known as cold therapy. This is the treatment of pain and/or inflammation by lowering the temperature of the skin over the affected area. It is probably the oldest form of pain control! In addition, it can significantly improve swelling after an injury or surgery. 
  4. You may remove your bandage and take a shower with your stitches 2 days after surgery as long as there is no drainage from the incision sites. If you notice drainage from the sites, hold off on getting them wet until they are completely dry. Place BandAids over the incisions once per day until they are fully healed. Do not soak incisions in water. No swimming or bath for 7 days after surgery.

Caution: The pad should never be placed directly on the skin as it can cause frostbite or skin injury. Always have clothing between your skin and the pad.

The pad is placed on your shoulder after the bandage is applied. The blue tube is connected to the cooler and ice water will automatically circulate through the pad to decrease pain and inflammation from surgery. The pad and cooler are yours to keep. Do not bring them to the office unless you are having problems with them.

TIP: Freeze small water bottles and place them in the cooler with water instead of ice cubes

Medications

  • You may have had a nerve block before surgery. This may provide numbness of your shoulder, arm, and hand for up to 36 hours. When the nerve block wears off, expect an increase in your pain.
  • You will be given a prescription for a pain killer that is a narcotic. This is usually Vicodin, Oxycodone, or something similar. This is very strong medication and should be weaned as soon as possible to reduce the potential side effects of this medication.
  • If you feel the prescription it too strong or you do not need it, Tylenol , Advil , Ibuprofen, or Aleve may be used instead, as long as you do not have any allergies to these medications
  • Pain Management is very important during the first few days after surgery. To prevent the pain from getting ahead of you, take either your prescription or over the counter pain medication regularly for the first 24 hours until the nerve block has worn off.
  • A stool softener is recommended i.e. Colace. One of the most common side effects of pain medication is nausea and constipation.
  • If you experience nausea, it is most commonly a side effect of the narcotic pain medication, and the anesthesia. Please call the office and we will phone in medication for the nausea.
  • Although blood clots are rare, you should take a baby Aspirin a day, starting the day of surgery, for 2 weeks after surgery to reduce the risk.
  • Contact the office if you have any redness or excessive drainage at the incision sites. Bruising is normal and will develop a few days after surgery.

Contact the office if you have any redness or excessive drainage at the incision sites.

EXERCISE: Depending on the extent of the tear, your physical therapy will usually begin 5 days after the surgery.

The shoulder has the greatest mobility of any joint in the human body. Recovery from surgery is dependent upon the size of the tear, quality of tissue, quantity of tissue to repair, and general health of each patient. Complete recovery from rotator cuff surgery can take 6 months to one year. Patience and hard work will result in better chances of success.

If you have any questions, please call: Stephen M. Desio, M.D.
Office: (508) 363-6363

 

More Information

You're Not Too Old to Get Fit!

Getting older comes with a unique set of challenges. Taking extra steps to care for your well-being is crucial to a high quality of life. Many seniors think their physical changes mean they have to stop being active. But, it’s more important than ever to stay in shape as you age.

With adjustments, there are ways for you to take care of your body and feel great.

Benefits of Staying in Shape

Exercise is an essential part of life. But, aging can make exercising a challenge. Staying active helps get the blood flowing through your body and carry oxygen to your organs.

Also, increased blood flow helps endorphins flood your brain. More endorphins help ease tension and stress.  Lowering your stress levels helps your self-esteem as negative emotions have been released.  

Staying active as you age can help you build and maintain your muscle structure. Our muscle tissue decreases as we age, but working out helps slow this down. Another benefit

of working out is it can help lower your blood pressure. Your blood pressure is crucial to your heart function. Staying fit ensures your heart performs at its best.

While you may think that you’re days of working out are over, you have plenty of reasons to keep going.

Exercises You Can Do

While you may not be able to lift 200 pounds over your head anymore, there are plenty of ways to keep your body strong.

As your body changes, you have to adapt how you work out. For example, jogging can be tough on the knees, back, and ankles. Instead, you can opt for low-impact activities like walking, which are easier to do. Low-impact movements put less strain on the joints but still do the job of keeping you moving.

Also, swimming is another way to ease the tension on your joints. The buoyancy of the water counters the effects of gravity on your body. Negating the pull of gravity allows for more range of motion and helps you complete more challenging movements.

Getting Help

Staying active is crucial to your health as you age.

But, it can be overwhelming to find a routine that works for you. But, you don’t have to do it alone. 

Dr. Desio is ready to help you find what works for you. Schedule an appointment in the Worcester office today by calling 508-363-6363.