How long do I need to wear a sling after shoulder surgery?

This depends on your specific procedure: your surgeon will advise. Typically 4–6 weeks for major repairs or replacement, and up to 6 weeks for complex rotator cuff repairs. Wearing the sling correctly and for the full duration is essential.

When can I drive after shoulder surgery?

When you have full arm control and can react safely, typically 6–12 weeks depending on the procedure and which arm. Always get specific clearance from your surgeon before driving.

How long does shoulder replacement recovery take?

Full recovery from shoulder replacement takes 6–12 months. Most people return to daily activities within 6–8 weeks and light work within 3 months. Heavy work and sport take 6–12 months.

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Shoulder Surgery Recovery

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Based on guidance from NHS, NICE, AAOS & healthdirect

Recovery essentials

Little things that make a real difference: the kind of practical help other patients wish someone had mentioned.

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Can't reach your back or lower body with one arm restricted: a long-handled sponge is standard OT advice for shoulder surgery patients. Long-handled bath sponge →

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Standing safely in the shower is hard with a restricted arm. A stool removes the fall risk entirely. Shower stool →

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Wet floors are the biggest fall hazard, especially with one arm out of action. Non-slip shower mat →

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Prevents rolling onto the operated shoulder during sleep — most people find this essential in the first few weeks. Contour/body pillow →

Postopcare.info may earn a small commission from Amazon at no cost to you. These are things patients have told us genuinely helped their recovery: nothing else.

Last reviewed: July 2026 · Free to use · No data collected

About ↗

Shoulder surgery recovery (whether replacement or repair) requires patience. The sling must be worn continuously for several weeks. Full recovery from major shoulder surgery takes 6–12 months. Every stage of physiotherapy builds on the one before, rushing leads to re-injury.

⚕️ This is friendly general guidance. Your surgeon's and medical team's specific instructions always take priority. If you are concerned about any symptom, contact your surgical team or call emergency services; do not rely on this guide alone.

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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.

Shoulder Surgery Recovery

🧰 Your recovery toolkit

Your recovery toolkit