When can I have a bath?

Normally you are allowed to have a bath 10 days after surgery when suture removal is done. If suture removal has been delayed then you must also delay the bath.

Do I use hot or cold packs for pain relief?

Always use cold pack / ice packs for the first six weeks after surgery. Hot packs immediately after surgery can cause aggravation of inflammation and stiffness.

When can I start working?

Those in supervisory / sitting jobs can resume between 5th day to 10th day after surgery depending on how strong and comfortable they feel. It is advisable to wear the sling while attending work as chances of sustaining a jerk to the operated shoulder are high. Also the sling is an ideal deterrent for colleagues who are in a habit of back slapping.

Why do I get pain only at night time?

The rotator cuff muscle is placed between two bones in the shoulder joint. Due to the swelling in area of rotator cuff repair, the distance between the bones is less. In the day time gravity is of assistance & helps distract the bones allowing the rotator cuff to breathe easily. After sleeping horizontal this advantage is lost & the rotator cuff is under pressure between the two bones. Hence some patients prefer to sleep in the arm chair with their arm hanging down.

What type of clothing should I prefer?

Half shirts are ideal. The operated arm should be placed in the sleeve first followed by the unoperated arm which can be raised above the shoulder to access the other sleeve. Avoid T shirts as one can strain the operated arm & the repair. Open jackets or open sweaters with front buttons are ideal to wear on top of the shirt. Ladies may prefer to wear a top with front buttons or borrow a shirt for the first few days after surgery.

When is the earliest that I can start driving?

It is recommended that you may resume driving at least two months after surgery. Most patients after surgery for recurrent dislocation will drive after two months. Patients who underwent rotator cuff repair need to achieve rotator cuff strength to be able to drive.

When can I start outdoor walking?

Five to ten days after surgery should allow you to start walking. It depends on your overall recovery and regaining energy & general strength.

When can I start my Gym exercises – Cardiac exercises & Weights / resistance exercises?

You must ask your treating doctor for permission before resuming Gym. Most cardiac exercises can be started 3 months after surgery. Bench press & Shoulder press are not allowed for a significant period which varies from patient to patient.

When do I need to report back urgently?

If you develop fever more than 100deg. Celsius or sudden onset severe pain.

How significant will the surgical scar be?

Usually there are three small scars – for Dislocation surgery – Bankart repair & four to five small scars – for rotator cuff surgery. By Six months time these scars are almost imperceptible. Rarely some patients have a tendency to scarring and develop prominent scars – these are called Keloids. It is very rare to have keloids and we have noticed them in only 3 patients of 1500 patients.