Shoulder

Shoulder Recovery & Rehabilitation Care

Intro: Research-backed recovery plans developed by Dr. Frank McCormick and the SIGMA Orthopedics team to restore mobility, rebuild strength, and support the best possible outcomes.

At SIGMA Orthopedic and Sports Medicine, shoulder therapy follows Dr. McCormick’s structured, outcomes-focused protocols, combining surgical-level precision with progressive rehabilitation to rebuild strength, motion, and everyday function. Whether recovery follows arthroscopy, rotator cuff repair, labral reconstruction, or instability stabilization, each plan is designed around clear milestones and measurable progress.

After Shoulder Surgery: Your Recovery Roadmap

A strong surgical result depends on what happens next: restoring motion, rebuilding strength, and reestablishing stability. These step-by-step protocols are shaped by Dr. McCormick’s research and outcomes strategy, guiding recovery from early protection through a confident return to performance.

Recovery Phases

Phase I: Protection + Passive Mobility (Weeks 0–4)

Focus: safeguard the repair, manage pain/swelling, and begin passive or assisted movement.

Phase II: Active-Assisted Motion (Weeks 4–8)

Focus: progress range of motion safely while improving control and mechanics.

Phase III: Strength + Stability Training (Weeks 8–16)

Focus: rebuild strength, restore stability, and improve shoulder function for daily demands.

Phase IV: Return-to-Activity Conditioning (Weeks 16+)

Focus: work/sport-specific conditioning and readiness for full return to performance.

Recovery Support Tools

COMMON QUESTIONS

SIGMA Orthopedics Shoulder Rehabilitation, FAQs

When can overhead lifting start again?

This is one of the most common questions. Timelines vary based on the procedure and healing progress. The priority is protecting the repair and following the staged steps in the SIGMA recovery plan. Overhead motion is reintroduced gradually as mobility and strength return, safely and at the right point in recovery.

When is it safe to drive again?

Driving is usually considered once the sling is no longer required for safety, pain is well-controlled, and the arm can manage steering without hesitation. Clearance depends on procedure type and recovery milestones.

Can side-sleeping be comfortable again?

Side sleeping often returns over time, but many patients need a transition period. Positioning support (pillows) and gradual tolerance improve as swelling decreases and motion returns.

When can workouts or exercise resume?

Lower-body training and approved cardio may start earlier, while upper-body lifting returns later in phases. Progress depends on healing, range of motion, and strength milestones.

Is the sling still necessary?

Sling use depends on the repair and stability needs. It’s typically used early to protect healing tissue, then reduced as guided by the recovery plan and therapist direction.

How can progress be confirmed during recovery?

Progress is tracked through measurable checkpoints, pain control, range of motion, strength, stability, and functional ability, along with therapy feedback and plan milestones.

Why does the shoulder feel tight or stiff?

Stiffness is common after surgery due to swelling, protective guarding, and limited early motion. Consistent rehab and gradual mobility work typically improve this over time.

When can returning to work be expected?

This depends on job demands. Desk work may return sooner, while physical or overhead work often requires more time and strength readiness.

Will full strength and motion come back?

Many patients regain excellent function, but outcomes depend on the procedure, tissue quality, and rehab consistency. The goal is full, reliable performance for daily life and activity.

What can help recovery move faster?

Following the plan closely, protecting the repair early, staying consistent with therapy, prioritizing sleep and nutrition, and avoiding “too much too soon” are the biggest accelerators.