RETURN TO WORK

Your ability to return to work and activity depends on both your surgery and your work duties and activity requirements. Your postoperative PT protocol surgery provides specific recommendations and restrictions regarding what you should and should not do with your operative extremity. You should use these general guidelines to plan your return to work. However, keep in mind that these are only general guidelines and may vary based on your particular surgery and postoperative recovery.

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If you had shoulder arthroscopy with rotator cuff or labrum repair, for 6 weeks after surgery you must wear a sling at all times and you may not lift anything with your operative arm. For 6-8 weeks after surgery, you will not be able to perform any activity that involves raising your arm away from your body, against gravity, or above shoulder-level. You may return to work if you can safely abide by these restrictions while taking into consideration your transportation needs, work duties, and whether or not you are taking narcotic pain medication. For jobs that require physical labor, it may take 12 weeks or longer for you to return to work.

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If you had shoulder arthroscopy that did not involve a repair (eg. subacromial decompression, distal clavicle resection, capsular release), you will be in a sling for a few days after surgery for your comfort. You may have restrictions on how much weight you can lift for up to 12 weeks after surgery, but you may return to work when you are able to complete your usual work duties. For jobs that require physical labor, it may take 6 weeks or longer for you to return to work.

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If you had hip or knee surgery, you may be required to use crutches and/or a brace for 2-6 weeks after surgery. Guidelines about the length of time you may require crutches and/or a brace are outlined in your Physical Therapy protocol. You should use these general guidelines to plan your return to work. However, keep in mind that these are only general guidelines and may vary based on your particular surgery and post-operative recovery.