How Do You Play Guitar After Rotator Cuff Surgery?
Recovering from surgery is no fun, especially when you can’t do the things you love (or can’t do them without pain). Rotator cuff surgery is a major procedure with a months-long recovery process. But, lucky for guitarists, the motions of playing the instrument may help ease stiffness, regain range of motion and keep the mind distracted from the pain. Check with your doctor. Before you attempt to play guitar or perform any activity that requires use of the shoulder, ask your doctor whether it is appropriate, and how soon after the surgery you can expect to do it. Play sitting down. Many players prefer to play standing up—some simply refuse to play sitting down. Shoulder surgery is a legitimate excuse to play sitting down; it affords you more ways to keep weight and gravity off your recently repaired joint. Pick with your wrist. If your recently repaired shoulder is attached to your pick hand, use the opportunity to practice picking with small, precise motions. Initiate your attack on
