Bankart Repair Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for bankart repair: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
What to expect
Sling Compliance is Critical
- •The labrum repair takes 6 to 8 weeks to heal to the bone. Removing the sling too early risks re-tear.
- •When in doubt, keep the sling on. Better to be over-cautious than to compromise the repair.
- •Sleep with a pillow under the elbow for support when out of the sling
Bankart Repair recovery, day by day
Immediate Post-Op
- Arm will be in a sling. Do NOT remove the sling unless instructed by your surgeon
- Apply ice to the shoulder: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off for the first 72 hours
- Take prescribed pain medication before anesthesia fully wears off
- Sleep in a reclined position (recliner or propped with pillows) to reduce swelling
Activity Restrictions
- No active shoulder movement. Keep the arm immobilized in the sling at all times
- Do NOT lift, push, pull, or reach with the surgical arm
- Begin gentle hand, wrist, and elbow exercises (squeeze a soft ball, bend/straighten the elbow) to maintain circulation
- No driving for a minimum of 4 to 6 weeks
Sling Management
- Wear the sling at all times including while sleeping for 4 to 6 weeks
- Remove sling only for showering, dressing, and prescribed elbow/wrist exercises
- When showering, let the arm hang at your side. Do not raise or rotate it.
- Keep the incision dry for 48 hours; cover with plastic wrap when showering
Pain and Swelling
- Ice the shoulder 3 to 4 times daily, 20 minutes each session
- Transition from prescription pain medication to ibuprofen or acetaminophen by day 5 to 7
- Mild bruising down the arm and into the chest is normal and will resolve
- Sleep in a semi-upright position for the first 2 weeks
Physical Therapy Begins
- Begin physical therapy (passive range of motion only) at 2 to 3 weeks post-op
- Therapist moves your arm for you. Do NOT actively lift the arm on your own yet.
- Pendulum exercises (lean forward, let arm hang and swing gently) 3 times daily
- Continue wearing the sling between therapy sessions until surgeon clears removal
Progressive Strengthening
- Begin active range of motion: lift the arm using your own muscles as directed by PT
- Start light resistance band exercises for rotator cuff and scapular muscles
- No lifting anything over 5 lbs with the surgical arm until week 10 to 12
- No overhead throwing, swimming, or push-ups until cleared by surgeon
Recovery wraps up
- Continue strengthening exercises 3 to 5 times per week
- Gradually return to sport-specific activities after surgeon clearance (typically 4 to 6 months)
- No contact sports or overhead throwing sports until 6 months post-op at the earliest
- Full shoulder strength and proprioception may take 9 to 12 months to return
When to call your provider or 911
- •Fever above 101.5°F (38.6°C) that doesn't respond to medication
- •Uncontrolled bleeding that doesn't stop with pressure
- •Severe pain not managed by prescribed medication
- •Signs of allergic reaction: hives, swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing
- •Chest pain, shortness of breath, or rapid heartbeat
- •Redness, warmth, or pus at the incision site (signs of infection)
- •Sudden increase in swelling or pain after initial improvement
- •Numbness or tingling that worsens
- •Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers that does not resolve with repositioning
- •Hand or fingers turning blue, white, or cold
- •Sudden increase in pain or a popping sensation in the shoulder
- •Fever above 101.5 degrees F (38.6 degrees C)
- •Drainage or foul smell from the arthroscopy incisions
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 42
Sling removal
Surgeon clears sling removal at follow-up
- Day 42
Active motion begins
Start lifting the arm using your own muscles in therapy
- Day 70
Light resistance training
Begin resistance band and light weight exercises
- Day 90
Return to light sport
Non-contact, non-overhead activities with surgeon clearance
- Day 120
Full return to sport
Contact and overhead sports after full strength and clearance
For clinics
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