Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Recovery timeline & the keys to success

Shoulder pain that disturbs sleep, weakness overhead, the sense your arm won’t cooperate—rotator cuff tears quietly restrict daily life. Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair uses small incisions to reduce pain, restore motion and rebuild confidence in your shoulder.

What truly drives success? Tear size and pattern, tendon quality, biceps/acromial issues and repair tension matter—so do biology, smoking and blood-sugar control, sleep and rehab adherence. Surgery is the start; lasting results come from protection, smart loading and consistent therapy.

Recovery timeline (at-a-glance)

Weeks 0–4 | Protect: Sling use; pain control and ice. Fingers–wrist–elbow stay active; shoulder motion is passive with a therapist. Semi-reclined sleep often helps.

Weeks 4–8 | Transition: Wean the sling; assisted range progresses. Light daily activities resume. Driving only with safe control and comfort.

Weeks 8–12 | Active motion: Build active ROM with gentle strengthening.

Months 3–6 | Strength: Functional strength/endurance; desk work and light sports with guidance.

Months 6–12 | Maturation: Tendon-bone healing consolidates; symmetry and performance goals are refined. Larger tears may need more time.

Keys to success: Protect the repair (no sudden lifts), follow a structured physiotherapy plan and home program, stop smoking, optimise glucose/Vit-D, and manage flares with your agreed regimen. Red flags like spreading redness, persistent drainage, fever or rapidly increasing swelling need prompt review.

Your personalised plan: Exam, imaging and goals shape the technique and a written rehab schedule. Follow-ups check milestones so loading increases at the right time.