How long do I wear the sling?

As per NHS and AAOS guidelines (last checked Jul 2026), typically 4–6 weeks. Some surgeons recommend sling use for up to 6 weeks, especially for larger tears. Your surgeon will specify based on the repair size.

As per NHS and DVLA guidelines (last checked Jul 2026), not while in the sling. Most patients can drive at 6–8 weeks once they have adequate shoulder control for steering. Automatic cars may be earlier for non-operative-side repairs.

As per published surgical guidance (last checked Jul 2026), many patients find sleeping in a recliner or propped up with pillows more comfortable than lying flat. Sleeping on the non-operative side with a pillow supporting the arm is also common. Sleep disruption is normal for 4–8 weeks.

When can I return to work?

As per published guidelines (last checked Jul 2026), desk work: 2–4 weeks (one-armed). Light manual: 8–12 weeks. Heavy manual or overhead work: 4–6 months minimum, some up to 12 months.

Rotator cuff recovery

Rotator Cuff Repair Recovery

Based on published NHS, AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), and healthdirect Australia guidance (last checked Jul 2026).

Where am I in recovery?

This shows what published guidelines describe as common at each stage. Everyone recovers differently. Always follow your surgical team\u2019s specific instructions.

Select your stage

Recovery essentials

Things published guidance and other patients say make a genuine difference.

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Shoulder ice wrap: as per published guidance, icing 20 minutes every 2–3 hours for the first week reduces swelling and pain. Shoulder ice wraps →

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Sling pillow: supports the arm in the correct position during sleep. Sling pillows →

👕

Button-front shirts: pulling shirts overhead is impossible with one arm in a sling. Button-front shirts →

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Shower chair: showering one-armed while keeping the sling dry is difficult standing. Shower stools →

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Before you forget

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👕

Switch to button-front shirts

Pulling shirts over your head is impossible with one arm in a sling. Button-front options for 4–6 weeks.

🚿

Get a shower stool

Showering one-handed while keeping the sling dry is much easier sitting down.

🏋️

Pause gym membership

No upper-body exercise for 3–6 months depending on the repair.

📱

Set up voice assistant

Opening jars, typing with one hand, and phone calls are frustrating. Voice control helps.

These are practical reminders, not medical advice. Your surgical team’s instructions always come first.

Track your wound healing

Take a photo of your wound each day. The ghost overlay lines up your previous photo so you can spot changes. Drag the reveal slider to compare before and after. Bring the photos to your next appointment. If something looks off, try our wound symptom checker.

100% private. Photos stay on your device. Nothing uploaded.

📷 Open wound photo journal →

Did this help?

Thank you.

Your recovery toolkit

Free interactive tools to track your recovery day by day. Everything stays on your device — nothing is uploaded or shared.

Daily dashboardMeds, vitals & wound photos in one view Discharge packTurn discharge notes into a day-one plan Last-dose tracker“When can I take the next one?” Vitals trackerTemperature, heart rate, BP & oxygen Wound photo journalSame angle every day — spot changes early Pain trackerSpot the trend, share it with your GP

These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.

Rotator Cuff Repair Recovery

Also useful

🧰 Your recovery toolkit

Your recovery toolkit