Shoulder & Elbow Surgery – Sling Use & Recovery Guide

Welcome to Physiodynamics

We look forward to helping you through the recovery and rehabilitation of your upcoming upper limb surgery.

The following is a simple guide to help you understand the expected sling times and follow-up process. It is designed to make the journey clearer and to alleviate any concerns you may have before and after your procedure.

Important Notes

• Driving is not permitted while wearing a sling. Clearance to drive will be provided only by your surgeon or physiotherapist.
• Exercises may commence earlier than sling removal if advised.
• If you have any concerns, please contact your physiotherapist.

Shoulder Procedures

• Anatomical Shoulder Replacement (ATSR) – Sling 4–6 weeks
• Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement (RTSR) – Sling 2–4 weeks
• Rotator Cuff Repair (Full Tear) – Sling 4–6 weeks
• Rotator Cuff Repair (Partial Tear) – Sling 2–4 weeks
• Subacromial Decompression / Distal End Clavicle Resection – Sling 1–2 weeks (comfort only)
• Clavicle Fracture (ORIF) – Sling 2–4 weeks
• Neck of Humerus (ORIF) – Sling 4–6 weeks
• Biceps Tenodesis – Sling 2–4 weeks
• Calcific Tendinopathy Removal – 1–2 weeks if no repair, 2–4 weeks if partial repair

Elbow Procedures

• Distal Biceps Repair – Sling 2–4 weeks
• Extensor Tendon Debridement – Sling 1–2 weeks (comfort only)
• Neck of Radius Repair/Replacement – Sling 2–4 weeks
• Collateral Ligament Reconstruction – Sling 4–6 weeks
• Ulnar Nerve Release / Radial Tunnel Release / Elbow Arthroscopy – Sling 1–2 weeks (comfort only)