Most people return to sports and weightlifting after shoulder surgery. Studies show 80-90% of patients resume their desired activities, though it depends on the specific sport. The goal of recovery is restoring full function so you can do what matters to you.
Some people think if they have shoulder surgery, they'll never get back to lifting weights or doing sports again. The reality is that return to activity after shoulder surgery, whether it's rotator cuff or shoulder replacement, is very high. You're talking 80 to 90% in most studies. So it's a case-by-case, depending on certain activities. But my goal always is to get somebody back to doing all of their function after shoulder surgery, even if that means lifting weights or if that's playing golf, tennis, etc.
