What to expect from rotator cuff repair for rotator cuff tear

The surgeon may use small instruments through keyhole incisions, sometimes with additional repair through a larger incision. A sling protects the shoulder while the tendon begins healing. Early exercises often focus on gentle assisted motion; active lifting and strengthening come later under supervision. Stiffness, aching, and sleep difficulty can occur during recovery, and improvement is gradual rather than immediate.

The repair addresses the tendon injury, while physiotherapy rebuilds shoulder control and strength. Your timeline depends on the tear, tissue quality, other shoulder problems, and the work or sport you hope to resume.

Arrange help with dressing, meals, driving, and household tasks while your arm is protected. Follow the sling and exercise instructions exactly, keep dressings dry as advised, and take medicines only as directed. Do not lift, push, pull, or use the repaired arm to rise from a chair until your team clears it. Attend follow-up visits so movement and strengthening can be adjusted safely.

Contact your surgical team promptly for increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, worsening swelling, or pain that is not controlled by the prescribed plan. Seek urgent help for chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, a blue or unusually cold hand, or sudden loss of feeling or movement in the arm.

Ask which tendon is torn, what repair technique is planned, how long the sling is expected, when assisted and active exercises begin, and which tasks are restricted. Clarify the pain plan, wound care, driving guidance, work or sport milestones, and symptoms that should trigger a call.