When can I drive after shoulder surgery?
Short answer: There is no single date that suits everyone. In studies, people report getting back to driving anywhere from about 2 weeks to 3 months after shoulder surgery, depending on the operation, which arm was operated on, and how recovery is going. You should only drive when you are out of your sling, not taking drowsy painkillers, and able to control the car safely, including in an emergency stop. Your physiotherapist, who sees you most often during rehab, is best placed to tell you when your movement and strength are ready, and you should check with your insurer before you drive again.
What should be true before you drive again?
- Your physiotherapist agrees that your movement and strength are ready for driving.
- You are out of your sling.
- You are not taking any medicine that makes you drowsy or slows you down.
- You can turn the steering wheel, change gear, and look over your shoulder without sharp pain or the fear of letting go.
- You could make an emergency stop and stay in full control of the car.
- Your insurer has confirmed you are covered to drive again. Policies differ, so please ask them.
Try these things in a parked car first, with the engine off. If any of them feels difficult, wait a little longer.
Why can the timing differ so much?
It depends on which operation you had, whether it was your left or right arm, how well your shoulder is moving and how strong it feels, how much pain you have, and what medicines you are taking. Automatic cars are generally easier to manage than manual ones.
When to ask for help
If you are unsure whether you are ready to drive, or your pain, swelling or stiffness is getting worse rather than better, please ask your physiotherapist or contact us. Seek urgent medical help (NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency) for severe pain, a hot swollen joint, fever, or new numbness or weakness.
Common questions
Who decides when I can drive again?
Your physiotherapist, who sees you most often during rehab, is best placed to judge whether your movement and strength are ready for driving. You are also responsible for checking that your insurer is happy for you to drive again.
Can I drive with my arm in a sling?
No. Research suggests driving ability is often impaired while wearing a sling on the dominant arm. A sling also makes it hard to steer and to check over your shoulder. You should not drive while wearing a sling, and you should follow your physiotherapist's advice about when you are ready.
Can I drive if I am taking strong painkillers?
No. Strong painkillers such as opioids can make you drowsy and slow your reactions. In one study of shoulder replacements, longer use of opioid pain medicine was linked to a later return to driving. Do not drive if a medicine makes you feel drowsy or unsteady, and read the leaflet that comes with it.
Do I need to check with my car insurer?
Yes. Policies differ, so please ask your insurer to confirm you are covered before you drive again after surgery. You should also be able to stay in full control of the vehicle at all times, and to make an emergency stop.
Related
Would you like to talk it through? To arrange an appointment with Professor Kochhar, call 020 7770 8185 or use the contact form.
Sources
- DiSilvestro KJ, Santoro AJ, Tjoumakaris FP, Levicoff EA, Freedman KB. When can I drive after orthopaedic surgery? A systematic review. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2016;474(12):2557-2570. PubMed · DOI
- DeBernardis DA, Lynch JC, Radack T, Austin LS. Return to driving following anatomic and reverse shoulder arthroplasty: a comparative analysis. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2023;32(5):e191-e199. PubMed · DOI
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