Recovery Timelines

Recovery is a process, and every patient is different. Dr. Levin will provide a customized plan based on your specific procedure. For detailed protocols, see PT Protocols.

Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement

Procedure details →

Most patients go home the same day. Sling for 2 weeks full-time, then gradually reduced. Physical therapy begins ~5 days after surgery. Full recovery takes 3–6 months.

Day 1 to Week 6

Protection & Passive Motion

Sling full time for 2 weeks, then at night and in public. Passive motion only. No reaching behind back. Passive elevation limited to ~130°.

Weeks 6–12

Motion Recovery

Sling discontinued. Active shoulder motion begins. Gentle behind-the-back motion allowed. No strengthening yet.

Months 3–6

Strengthening & Functional Return

Light strengthening of rotator cuff, deltoid, and shoulder blade muscles. Golf chipping 3-4 months, driving range 4-5 months, full play ~6 months.

6 Months+

Long-Term Maintenance

Return to full recreational activities. Ongoing stretching and strengthening. Flow yoga allowed.

Reverse Shoulder Replacement

Procedure details →

Most patients go home the same day. Sling for approximately 3 weeks. Formal physical therapy begins 1–2 weeks after surgery. Full recovery takes 3–6 months.

Surgery to 2 Weeks

Protection & Early Motion

Sling at all times. Gentle motion exercises begin right away. Keep arm in front of body. No reaching behind back.

Weeks 2–6

Regaining Motion

Sling use gradually reduced, usually stopped around 3 weeks. Light daily activities begin. Physical therapy starts.

Weeks 6–12

Building Strength

Arm used more normally. Strengthening exercises begin focusing on deltoid and shoulder blade muscles. Generally limited to 10 pounds.

3 Months+

Long-Term Function

Continued strengthening. Return to most everyday activities. Ongoing stretching becomes routine. Avoid heavy repetitive overhead activity.

Rotator Cuff Repair

Procedure details →

Sling for 4–6 weeks. Physical therapy begins about 5 days after surgery. Full recovery takes up to one year.

Weeks 0–6

Protection & Passive Motion

Sling at all times. Passive motion only — no active lifting of the arm. Therapist-guided or assisted movement.

Weeks 6–12

Active Motion & Early Strengthening

Sling discontinued. Assisted then active motion begins. Gradual strengthening introduced.

Months 3–6

Progressive Strengthening

Return to most daily activities. Progressive resistance training.

Months 6–12

Advanced Recovery

Advanced strengthening. Return to heavy labor or sports if applicable.

Lower Trapezius Tendon Transfer

Procedure details →

Sling for approximately 6 weeks. Physical therapy is structured and demanding, often lasting several months. Full recovery can take 12 months.

Weeks 0–6

Protection & Immobilization

Strict sling use at all times. No active shoulder motion. Focus on healing the transferred tendon. Elbow, wrist, and hand motion encouraged.

Weeks 6–12

Early Motion

Gradual return of passive then active-assisted motion. The transferred tendon begins to be retrained to assist shoulder function.

Months 3–6

Strengthening

Progressive strengthening begins. Gradual return to daily activities. Focus on retraining the transferred muscle for shoulder control.

Months 6–12

Advanced Recovery

Continued strengthening and functional return. Full recovery can take up to 12 months. Some residual limitations in strength or motion may persist.

Biceps Tenodesis

Procedure details →

Sling for 2–4 weeks. Physical therapy begins shortly after surgery. Full recovery typically takes 3–4 months.

Weeks 1–4

Protection Phase

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Weeks 4–12

Motion Phase

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Months 3–4

Strengthening Phase

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Shoulder Stabilization Surgery

Procedure details →

Sling immobilization for 4–6 weeks. Return to contact sports typically requires 6 months. Full recovery in 6–9 months.

Weeks 1–6

Protection Phase

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Weeks 6–16

Motion Phase

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Months 4–9

Strengthening Phase

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Biceps & Triceps Tendon Repair

Procedure details →

Brace or sling for 4–6 weeks. Progressive strengthening over 3–4 months. Full return to heavy lifting at 5–6 months.

Weeks 1–6

Protection Phase

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Weeks 6–12

Motion Phase

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Months 3–6

Strengthening Phase

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Fracture Surgery (Shoulder & Elbow)

Procedure details →

Immobilization for 2–6 weeks depending on fracture type. Physical therapy begins early. Full recovery varies from 3–6 months.

Weeks 1–6

Protection Phase

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Weeks 6–12

Motion Phase

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Months 3–6

Strengthening Phase

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Elbow Replacement

Procedure details →

Splint for 2–3 weeks. Gentle range of motion begins early. Permanent lifting restriction of 5–10 lbs is typical. Full recovery in 3–6 months.

Weeks 1–3

Protection Phase

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Weeks 3–12

Motion Phase

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Months 3–6

Strengthening Phase

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Revision Surgery (Shoulder & Elbow)

Procedure details →

Timelines vary based on complexity. Dr. Levin provides a highly customized rehabilitation protocol for each revision case.

Weeks 1–6

Protection Phase

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Weeks 6–16

Motion Phase

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Months 4–12

Strengthening Phase

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