Rotator cuff surgery (RCS) is a common orthopedic procedure to repair tears in the tendons surrounding the shoulder joint. Preparation in the weeks and days before the procedure profoundly influences recovery speed and overall outcome. A proactive approach minimizes complications and ensures a smoother transition into the post-operative recovery phase. This preparation involves medical coordination, physical readiness, and detailed logistical planning.
Medical Clearance and Physical Preparation
The first steps involve a series of medical assessments to ensure your body is ready for the stress of surgery and anesthesia. This process typically includes pre-operative testing, such as blood work, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and possibly chest X-rays, to establish a baseline of your health status. You will often meet with your primary care physician or an anesthesiologist for a consultation to discuss your medical history and address any underlying health conditions.
Medication management must be coordinated precisely with your surgical team. Generally, stop taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen about seven days before the procedure, as they interfere with blood clotting. Specialized blood thinners, such as warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants, require precise instructions from the prescribing physician, sometimes necessitating a temporary “bridge” medication. Disclose all over-the-counter supplements and vitamins, as many can also increase the risk of bleeding and may need to be discontinued a week or two beforehand.
Some surgeons recommend pre-operative physical therapy, often called “pre-hab,” in the weeks leading up to the procedure. This preparation focuses on maintaining range of motion in unaffected joints and strengthening the core and scapular muscles. Entering surgery with better muscle condition helps decrease joint stiffness post-operatively and leads to improved function recovery after the repair has healed. This also helps you become familiar with the movement patterns used during formal post-operative rehabilitation.
Essential Home and Logistical Setup
Since your surgical arm will be immobilized in a sling for several weeks, detailed planning for your home environment is necessary. First, secure transportation home, as anesthesia and a regional nerve block make driving impossible. Also, arrange for a support person to assist with daily tasks like dressing and bathing, particularly for the first few days to one week after the procedure.
Setting up a recovery zone, such as a recliner or a section of the bed with pillows for elevation, is highly recommended since sleeping flat can be uncomfortable. This recovery space should have frequently used items placed within easy reach of your non-operative hand:
- Medication
- Phone
- Water
- Remote controls
For the kitchen, preparing freezer meals or stocking up on simple-to-microwave options eliminates the need to cook with one arm and minimizes reaching into high or low cabinets.
Purchasing or renting adaptive equipment can significantly increase your independence during recovery. Necessary items include a reacher-grabber tool to pick up dropped objects without bending or straining the shoulder. In the bathroom, a shower chair and a detachable shower head are helpful for safe hygiene, allowing you to sit and manage the water flow with one hand. A cold therapy machine, which provides continuous, temperature-controlled icing, offers superior pain and swelling management compared to standard ice packs.
Immediate Pre-Operative Instructions
The final 24 hours before surgery require strict adherence to medical guidelines to ensure the procedure can proceed safely. The most common instruction is the fasting requirement, which means no food or drink—including chewing gum or hard candy—after midnight the night before your scheduled operation. This restriction is crucial to prevent the serious complication of aspiration during the administration of general anesthesia.
You will likely be given a special antiseptic soap, often containing chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG), which you should use to wash your body the night before and the morning of surgery. This process helps reduce the amount of bacteria on your skin, which lowers the risk of a surgical site infection. It is important not to apply any lotions, powders, or deodorants after this final wash, as they can interfere with the soap’s effectiveness.
On the day of surgery, wear loose-fitting clothing that is easy to remove, such as a large, button-down shirt that accommodates the dressing and sling. Bring your photo identification, insurance information, and a list of all current medications to the facility. Leave all jewelry and valuables at home, and confirm your exact arrival time and location with the surgical center.