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How long after rotator cuff repair should the shoulder be immobilized?

I had arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery 2 days ago (SLAP repair, bicipital tenodesis, subacromial decompression, 2 partial tendons tear repairs). I was told pre-op I would likely wear the sling for 2 weeks and start PT then unless the repair was more extensive once he actually got in there. I will get to discuss it further at my 10-14 day post-op visit, but I did contact the triage nurse because I am scheduled to work 2.5 weeks post-op and need full use of both hands. She contacted the surgeon and he said that would be fine, as well as driving within 1 week of surgery. Nothing I read online supports this; in fact, I read one study that stated 6 weeks of immobilization might be better than early movement and PT. I have canceled that first work date (I am an independent contractor), but I am supposed to work weekly thereafter (1-3 days a week, lots of arm movement required, no lifting). I am worried about re-injuring the shoulder. I know all surgeons are different, but this seems much to early a return to activity. Please advise.
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I don't have an answer but am interested in following. I fear this is the type of surgery in my future. I am nearly 4 months post injury with no improvement, diagnosed as longitudinal bicep tear and fluid around the joint. How painful was the surgery?  At present I can't lift my arm due to pain.
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I'm sorry you are in pain. The surgery was not painful. I was under anesthesia and had a nerve block so my arm was numb for about 24 hours. I had minor pain after and took oxycodone and acetaminophen as needed. The oxy made me dizzy and nauseous, so I didn't take much. I take a small amount at bedtime. My arm is in a sling 24/7 except for bathing, dressing, and a few passive range of motion exercises. I first had pain in November, an MRI in January, and surgery in February. The pain was getting worse; I couldn't really function well. If you have tried PT and injections, I would see a shoulder surgeon and consider surgery. I have a long way to go yet, but I didn't want to let it go. Hopefully, it won't re-tear!
Well, I had my post-op visit (with the PA, not the surgeon). He told me that I won't be doing any active range of motion with that arm for 4 weeks and I will be wearing the sling for 3-4 more weeks. The active ROM starts in PT weeks 5-6, confirmed by the physical therapist. Turns out that the tears were small and not sutured, and the SLAP tear was not sutured either, which concerns me a bit. The biceps tenodesis and subacromial decompression were the only 2 procedures performed. I feel as though the surgeon did not communicate clearly the required recovery time. I won't get to see him for 5 more weeks. Thankfully, my recovery is going very well, most of the credit going to the near-constant use of the ice machine those first 2 weeks.
Thanks for the update. I'm nervous about surgery.  I am at 4 months now without improvement. I have rheumatoid and osteoporosis....at age 40!
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