The Recovery Guide

Weeks 0–2: protect and rest

The first fortnight is about protecting the repair. You'll likely wear a sling by day and need a reliable sleep position by night — most people find slightly elevated, on the back or the non-operated side, with the arm supported. Pain and poor sleep peak in this window; a prepared bed set-up makes the biggest difference here.

Weeks 2–6: early movement

Physiotherapy typically begins with gentle, guided movement. Attending rested matters more than people expect: sleep-deprived patients report more pain and progress more slowly through their exercises. Keep the night-time support going even as daytime freedom returns.

Week 6 onwards: rebuilding

Strength work begins and normal life gradually resumes. Many people keep using their recovery set-up well past the point they 'need' it — because they're sleeping better than before surgery.

Every operation and every surgeon's protocol is different. Treat this page as orientation, and your care team's instructions as the rulebook.