Recovery after a Shoulder Arthroscopic Cuff Repair Surgery can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right information and guidance, patients can return to their normal routines with strength and confidence. This minimally invasive procedure allows for quicker healing compared to traditional surgery, but recovery still requires a carefully planned rehabilitation process to ensure optimal shoulder function. In this blog, Dr. Chirag Arora, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Gurgaon, covers what to expect at each stage of recovery, tips for faster healing, and when to seek medical attention for the best possible outcomes.

 

Recovery after shoulder arthroscopy surgery is generally smoother, faster, and less painful than open surgery, but it still requires a structured rehabilitation plan. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to expect during recovery:

IMMEDIATE POST-SURGERY (DAY 1–14)

What to Expect after Shoulder Arthroscopic Cuff Repair Surgery

• Pain and swelling are common.
• Most cases do not require sling immobilization in our practice.
• Ice packs help reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Medications (painkillers/anti-inflammatories) are prescribed.

Care Tips

• Keep the incision area clean and dry.
• Begin gentle hand, wrist, and elbow movements to prevent stiffness.
• Start passive range-of-motion exercises (as directed by your surgeon/physiotherapist).
• Start active assisted ROM exercises as directed by your surgeon (In our practice, we start shoulder movements on day 1-2)
• Physiotherapy is started from day 5

STITCH REMOVAL DONE AT 12-14 DAYS POST SURGERY (outpatient)

Activities Of Daily Living

• Walking (from day 1)
• Office work (can start from 3-5 days)
• Lifting a daily object, underhand for around 10-14 days
• Travel is allowed as comfortably

EARLY RECOVERY (WEEKS 2–6)

Goals

• Reduce inflammation
• Prevent stiffness
• Regain passive mobility

Tips

• Avoid lifting, reaching, or overhead motions.
• Stay consistent with rehab exercises.

Activities of daily living

• Begin supervised physiotherapy, focusing on: Passive and then active-assisted shoulder movements, and Scapular mobility and posture training
• Keep wound moisturized
• Maintain daily movements
• Continue your office work and prevent any injuries during travel

MID-TERM RECOVERY (WEEKS 6–12)

Goals

• Regaining strength and full range of motion.

Physiotherapy Progresses to

• Active range-of-motion exercises
• Strength training for rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers
• Resistance band exercises

Activities of daily living

• Can progress to driving, individualized by your surgeon
• Continue physiotherapy, focusing on: active ROM and light resistance training exercises
• Swimming and light daily lifting activities
• Passive and then active-assisted shoulder movements and, Scapular mobility and posture training
• Most able to do all overhead movements

FULL RECOVERY PHASE (3–6 MONTHS)

Expectations

• Gradual return to sports, work, or repetitive shoulder tasks, depending on surgery type (e.g., rotator cuff repair, labral repair, decompression, etc.).
• Most patients resume full activity by 4–6 months.

Long-Term Maintenance

• Continue strengthening and flexibility exercises.
• Pay attention to posture and ergonomics to avoid re-injury.
• Gym-related weight training
• Sports-specific rehab

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR

Contact your surgeon if you experience

• Fever or chills
• Redness or drainage from the incision
• Severe or increasing pain/swelling
• Numbness or tingling in your hand/arm

RECOVERY TIMELINE SUMMARY

Timeline	Key Milestones
1–2 weeks	Pain/swelling control, sling use
2–6 weeks	Begin rehab, regain motion
6–12 weeks	Strength training begins
3–6 months	Full return to activity

DISCLAIMER: These are rough guidelines, we have developed in our practice over the years of experience and trial. Still, each case has to be individualized by the operating surgeon and rehab devised in sync with physiotherapy.

Conclusion

Recovering after shoulder arthroscopy is a step-by-step journey that requires patience, dedication, and the right guidance. While most patients experience faster healing and less discomfort compared to open surgery, following a structured rehabilitation plan is crucial to regain full strength and mobility.

If you’re planning shoulder surgery or are currently in recovery and need expert advice tailored to your condition, consult Dr. Chirag Arora, one of the best shoulder replacement surgeons in Gurgaon.