For rotator cuff repair, total shoulder replacement, reverse shoulder replacement, labral repair, and other shoulder procedures. Use these as inspiration. The right questions depend on your specific surgery; bring your own list.

About my procedure

1. What is the exact procedure you’re recommending, and why this one for my injury?
2. Are there alternatives — physical therapy alone, a different procedure, watchful waiting?
3. Is this procedure done arthroscopically, open, or both?
4. Will I have a sling? For how long?
5. What does the surgical scar / incision look like and where?

Recovery timeline

1. When can I drive again — for left shoulder vs right, automatic vs manual?
2. When can I return to my job (mine specifically)?
3. When can I sleep on my operative side?
4. When can I lift weights, swim, throw, do overhead movements?
5. What is the typical PT schedule — when does it start, how often, for how long?
6. What range of motion should I expect at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year?

Risks and outcomes

1. What are the most common risks specific to this procedure?
2. What’s your re-tear / re-operation rate for this surgery?
3. What does success look like — full restoration of function, partial, pain relief only?
4. What outcome should I realistically expect given my age and activity level?
5. If something goes wrong, what does the next step look like?

Logistics and life

1. Will I need help at home? For how long?
2. What does a typical post-op day look like in week 1, week 4, month 3?
3. Do I need to make changes at home before surgery (bathroom, sleeping setup)?
4. Is there anything I should do in the weeks before — pre-hab exercises, lifestyle changes?