The labrum is a ring of fibrous tissue surrounding the end of the shoulder blade, or glenoid socket. An injury to your labrum can cause extreme pain in your shoulder as well as destabilize the shoulder joint, and it may take up to four months for your shoulder to completely heal from labrum surgery. A full recovery in which you regain the strength and mobility in your shoulder can take up to one year, according to eOrthopod.
Step 1
Take a week off work even if you have a job that does not require repetitive motion of your arm. Your arm will be in a sling for six weeks following labrum surgery, according to Dr. Gary M. Gartsman, M.D. Avoid activities that require carrying, lifting, pulling or pushing to prevent further aggravation of your shoulder while it recovers.
Step 2
Practice moving your shoulder joint without tensing the muscles of your arm. Your doctor will help you perform passive range-of-motion exercises while your arm remains in a sling. These exercises involve your doctor slowly moving and stretching your arm to help set the ball of the humerus in the glenoid socket to improve the stability of your shoulder.
Step 3
Engage in physical activities such as walking and stationary bicycle riding about two weeks after surgery. These exercises help you return to everyday physical activity without placing excessive strain on your arm.
Step 4
Perform light work that requires carrying, lifting, pulling or pushing of items no heavier than 2 lbs. after your doctor removes the sling from your arm.
Step 5
Lift items that weigh no more than 10 lbs. up to waist level about three or four months after labrum surgery. Return to lifting items to shoulder level about six months after surgery.
Step 6
Return to heavy lifting and overhead lifting about one year after labrum surgery. At this point, you may be able to play sports that require overhead throwing or physical contact, but your shoulder may not be at the level of strength it possessed before your injury.
Things You'll Need
- Sling
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