Preparing for Surgery & Recovery

Making shoulder recovery easier at home

• Cold therapy: an ice wrap or ice-compression device, such as Polar Care or a NICE machine, or a rented Game Ready device, may help with pain, swelling and bruising. Use it according to your care team’s instructions.
• Sleep: sleeping can be difficult early on. Many patients find a recliner or a wedge pillow that elevates the head and upper body more comfortable than sleeping flat in their bed.
• Clothing: shirts with side snaps along the sleeves can make dressing and undressing easier while wearing a sling or shoulder immobilizer.

Preventing stiffness is a priority

Stiffness is a major concern after shoulder surgery. Physical therapy is essential to restoring motion and function while protecting healing tissue. Dr. Haber works with trusted therapists across the Front Range and recommends a therapist based on where you live.

Recovery at a glance

These are typical starting points in Dr. Haber’s protocols. Your operation, healing and functional progress determine when to advance.

• Shoulder replacement: sling for 4 weeks, with early passive motion and physical therapy starting within 1 week. Active motion and simple daily tasks begin after 4 weeks; return to approved recreational activities is often around 4.5–6 months with clearance. Long-term limits on contact sports and heavy lifting may still apply.
• Rotator cuff repair: sling and passive motion for 4–6 weeks, followed by active motion and simple daily tasks with an approximately 3–5-pound lifting limit. Strengthening usually begins around 4 months. Return to full activity is gradual, often around 6 months or later, with improvement continuing for up to a year.
• Labral repair: sling protection for 4–6 weeks. Passive-motion physical therapy may begin within 1 week; active motion and twice-weekly therapy begin once the sling is removed.
• Isolated biceps tenodesis: sling for 2 weeks, with protection of the biceps attachment through 6 weeks. Full biceps effort and putting weight through the arm wait until the 6-week point and clearance. If combined with a cuff or labral repair, follow the restrictions for the full operation.
• ACL surgery: hinged knee brace for 6 weeks and crutches for approximately 2–6 weeks, depending on additional procedures. Jogging often begins at 4–6 months and jumping and landing drills around 6 months. Return to sport is generally no sooner than 10–12 months, after meeting objective physical therapy testing goals.
• TTO, MPFL reconstruction and most cartilage procedures: crutches with protected weight bearing for 6 weeks and a hinged brace for 6–8 weeks. Put only the amount of weight on the leg allowed by your protocol. Knee motion and thigh-muscle activation come first, followed by walking mechanics and endurance. Strength training generally begins around 3 months when cleared, depending on healing and additional procedures.

Use the protocol in your surgery-day folder for your exact milestones and restrictions. The linked guides below explain typical recovery stages, lifting limits and therapy schedules. Your written instructions also guide driving, work and exercise.