After rotator cuff surgery you have to sleep upright or in an inclined position of around 30 to 45 degrees for 4 weeks to 6 weeks.
For the first 4 weeks to 6 weeks, you should sleep semi-upright in a recliner or use wedge pillows in bed to keep your upper body elevated as it reduces swelling and pressure on the repaired tendon.
And you should keep your arm in your sling while sleeping during these early weeks to prevent unsafe movements.
And after 6 weeks, with your surgeon's clearance, you can then slowly lower the incline that you sleep in and transition toward a flatter sleeping position.
And in months 3 to 6, most people who've had rotator cuff surgery can eventually sleep on their non surgical side using supportive pillows, or flat on their back, as comfort allows.
And meaningful sleep improvements happen around 6 weeks to 8 weeks post-op.
After rotator cuff surgery there's really nothing you can never do again.
However after rotator cuff surgery, things you should not do and cannot do while healing are any lifting, pushing, pulling or actively moving the arm that was operated on to protect the healing tendon.
After you have rotator cuff surgery, you should not lift anything or carry heavy objects with the arm that was operated on.
And don't push or pull with the arm, like when you open heavy doors or pushing yourself up from a bed or chair.
Don't reach up, forward, behind you or across your body.
And don't drive while you're wearing the sling or taking narcotic pain medications after the rotator cuff surgery.
And don't remove the sling prematurely or leave it off when walking and standing, unless your doctor explicitly allows it for approved exercises.
After rotator cuff surgery, don't lie flat or sleep on your side, and instead sleep upright in a recliner or propped up with pillows.
Don't submerge your incisions in water or get your bandages wet until your surgeon says it's safe (usually showering is allowed after 48 hours if incisions are covered and kept dry).
Don't skip any physical therapy or neglect your prescribed gentle passive exercises.
And don't take certain anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, unless you're explicitly cleared by your orthopedic surgeon, as some NSAIDs can also interfere with early tendon healing.
The worst thing to do after rotator cuff surgery is actively moving, lifting, or pushing with the operated arm, which can stress the healing tendon and cause a retear.
You can tell if you have a rotator cuff retear by noticing a sudden return of severe pain, new arm weakness, or popping sounds in the shoulder.
Key Signs of a Retear of your rotator cuff include:
Sudden severe pain: Pain that feels sharp or different from the normal, dull ache of healing.
Loss of strength: Trouble lifting or rotating your arm in ways that were previously getting easier.
Noises or grinding: A crackling, popping, or clicking sensation when you move your arm.
Sleep disruption: Pain returning when you try to lie on the affected side.
Medical Confirmation for confirming a retear of the rotator cuff include:
Physical tests: A doctor will test your arm strength and range of motion.
Imaging scans: Diagnosis is confirmed using an Ultrasound Scans or an MRI after consulting an orthopedic specialist.