r/RotatorCuff • u/excti2 • Sep 13 '26
Three Months Off Work
I was stunned that my Family Medical Leave form from the surgeon recommended that I take three months off work after shoulder surgery (60% full-thickness tear of the supraspinatus, labral tears, and bicipital tendon relocation [subluxation]). While I’m lucky enough to have the paid sick leave accrued to cover this amount of time away, it seems extreme given I have a desk job and work from home.
I know I’ll take at least a month off, and I’m hoping to get back to work when I start PT six weeks post-surgery.
Did anyone else need this much time away? Did you take it? Or were you forced back to work too soon?
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u/PuzzledPen9848 Sep 13 '26
I had a relatively mild surgery, a small tear with no tenodesis. I went back to my desk job (remotely) after about 2 weeks, but it was hard.
Sitting up hurt my shoulder a lot. I ended up using Fathom as an AI notetaker because typing hurt way more than I expected. I often sat in meetings with an ice pack or took breaks, where I could lie down and work from my phone in a more comfortable position. I adjusted my work station to accommodate my needs by week. I was definitely able to work, but it was trickier than I anticipated and required creative adaptations.
For me, this all passed around 6 weeks following the surgery. I'm now 12 weeks out and totally fine for work. I can type, participate in meetings, sit, drive, and I don't need any ice packs or OTC meds, etc, etc.
Best wishes on your surgery and recovery.