Returning to work Info
Reviewed by Dr Kieran Hirpara, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Last reviewed
When you can return to work depends much more on what your job demands than on the operation itself. A bricklayer and an accountant will recover the same shoulder repair, but the bricklayer waits months longer to return to their full duties.
Three categories of work
It helps to think about your job in three buckets:
- Sedentary: desk work, phone, computer, light writing. Typical returns: a few days to two weeks after keyhole shoulder surgery without a repair; 1–3 weeks after most hand and wrist surgery (after carpal tunnel release the reported median is about three weeks); 2–4 weeks after shoulder repairs and replacements; and longest after fusions, where many people wait until the splint comes off at around six weeks, or later. Adjustments such as one-handed typing or voice dictation can bring this forward. Your operation's own rehabilitation page gives the specific timeline.
- Light manual: driving short distances, handling under 5 kg, light cleaning, retail, cooking. Typically 2–6 weeks depending on the operation.
- Heavy manual: lifting over 10 kg, repetitive overhead work, scaffolding, trades, nursing with patient handling. Often 3–6 months, sometimes longer.
Medical certificates
We typically issue an initial certificate covering the first 2–4 weeks of recovery, then update it at each review appointment.
A return-to-work certificate from your treating doctor lists what you can and cannot do. Many workplaces accept "graded return" (half days, lighter duties, or rotated tasks) for a few weeks before you go back to full duties. Talk to your manager and HR before your operation if you can.
WorkCover
If your injury is work-related, your treatment may be covered by WorkCover or a similar scheme. The treating doctor will fill in workers' compensation paperwork at each visit.
What slows return down
- Pain that isn't being managed well
- Persistent swelling and stiffness
- Wound problems that delay rehab starting
- Trying to do too much, too early, leading to a setback
What helps
- Doing your hand-therapy exercises consistently
- A workplace willing to offer modified duties
- Being honest with your therapist about what your job actually involves
