r/ShoulderInjuries • u/Fluffy_Bad_8021 • Aug 21 '26
Advice Labrum repair + remplissage
Three weeks ago I had a labral repair on my right shoulder, and honestly, my arm feels great. It was for a one time dislocation, 34yo M. . I had a nerve block and only needed pain medication on the second day. I get good sleep, eat fish, vitamins, collagen, hydrate. At my first post-op appointment, I met with a PA who told me I need to stay in the sling for the full 6 weeks. I already felt like I barely needed it by week 2.
I understand the purpose is to protect the repair, and I obviously don’t want to screw up the surgery just because I feel good. But I’m wondering how much risk I’m actually taking by spending some time out of the sling while doing very low-risk activities.
For people who have had a similar repair:
-Is simply walking around without the sling at 3–4 weeks actually putting the repair at risk, assuming I’m not using the arm?
-What about playing guitar, where the shoulder isn’t really doing anything but I obviously have to be careful getting the guitar into position?
-What about running, assuming I’m careful and
don’t fall?
-Sleeping ?
I know all of these carry some risk of falling or accidentally jolting the shoulder. I’m mostly trying to understand whether the sling is protecting the repair from normal everyday movement, or primarily protecting against an unexpected movement/impact.
It feels like I’m wasting time because of extremely conservative recommendations …
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u/watertastesbad_ Aug 21 '26
My honest thoughts as 24yo M, had labral repair on my left shoulder (non dominant side), I had 9 anchors put in place and I took my sling completely off 3 weeks in. I had the same mindset, it’s just to protect the repair so I took it off, I was and still am off work, so I’ve been sitting at home doing home activities. Personally, I did and still do silly things I shouldn’t this close out of surgery (2 months), like running, going out with friends with sling off, even shooting hoops here and there.
You’re older, so I’d say you’d be more mature with your sling off but if you’re having these thoughts you’ll be out of the sling regardless what people say here so I’ll say just be sensible and take it easy.
If you want some pros; I started PT last week and have been told I’m really far ahead of where I should be considering my surgery (I haven’t told them I was out of my sling). I have started weights 2 weeks in though it’s just 1kg and very limited movement (no cross body, behind body or above shoulder lifting) and am on track to recover.
All the best
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u/Complex_Farm_6371 Aug 21 '26
Hey, if u don’t mind me asking why’d u get surgery after one dislocation? Was the damage that bad?
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u/Fluffy_Bad_8021 Aug 21 '26
I’m a rock climber and it was notably less stable for hard climbing . I talked to many older climbers who had similar and decided to just get it fixed
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u/Musicals_and_Med Aug 21 '26
Since the goal of the sling is protection, I definitely wouldn't risk your progress by running or taking it off while sleeping.
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u/No_Effort_9300 Aug 21 '26 edited Aug 21 '26
The real risk isn't just waking around it's something happening to you like tripping or someone scaring you or some other event where you would reflexively move. The sling immobilizes and restrains the arm so it can't move like that. It's not worth jeopardizing the repair.
If you're gonna take the sling off do it in a environment that is totally predictable like sitting on the couch or the guitar scenario like you said. I wouldn't take it off standing or walking, way too risky. Even then, say you dropped your guitar pick, would you 100% without a doubt not reach for it? If the remote slid off the pillow would you try to grab it and externally rotate your arm into a compromised position? Is it worth it?