Swimming after rotator cuff sugery

My wife had the same surgery about 3 months ago. Hers was only a partial tear. Depends on a few things like age, how good a shape you were going into it (decent I imagine), strength of the tendon (clean tear or frayed), and how good the surgeon is at putting it back together. Running 3 months post op sounds fine. Swimming 3 month post op sounds a little ambitious if its anything like my wife's case. She has been pretty diligent about pt since the op and has about 70% range of motion back so far. My guess though is each case is slightly different. Good luck.

Edited by gr33n 2013-09-13 5:28 AM

Thanks, started to run again 6 weeks post op. Normal arm swing and not pain at all. Feel like PT has helped. Range of motion coming around nicely. The orthopedist gave me pictures and his op report. He said it was a solid repair. So, i am hoping to get into the pool at 3 months. I can bike now with no pain. Real risk is a fall while running or biking. Will stick to the roads for both.

3 months PO is probably the earliest you will get back.  Could be longer depending on how well you are doing in PT

I am 8 weeks post surgery. Similar injury as yours- full tear. Have been riding on the trainer since day 5 and running with arm swings starting in week 6 ago. No pain. Been in the pool for about 2 weeks, but just kicking with a board. PT says I can start easy breast stroke this week, but to be aware of any pain. He hopes I can start freestyle around week 12. Overall, having my shoulder repaired was the best decision I could have made. I already feel better and getting stronger day by day. No more pain radiating down my arm. 12weeks seemed like forever when I first started, but by doing other things to stay in shape along the way, I don't feel like I've taken huge steps backwards.

Similar surgery last Nov to yours. I did have some frozen shoulder set in though. I believe I was about 4 to 5 months out when I started to swim. Your PT will be your best source to let you know when you can start