After shoulder reconstruction, Dr Duke reviews his patients at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks. He requires patients who have undergone shoulder reconstruciton to wear a sling for the first 6 weeks after surgery. You MUST keep the sling on at all times except when bathing or settling down reading or watching TV. It is VITAL that the sling is worn while sleeping.
In the second 6 weeks you may be able to come out of the sling but are not allowed to perform heavy lifting or heavy work. You are usually able to drive by 2 weeks out of the sling (ie 8 weeks post op). At this point, some further gentle stretching exercises are begun. It will take most of the following six weeks to get about 80-90% of your shoulder movement back. You will be reviewed again at the twelve-week mark.
At this time we start a strengthening program which takes 6-12 weeks.
Can I participate In Sport?
Yes. After 20 weeks, a full return to all sports including football is usually possible.