Wondering if what you're feeling is normal?
The first few weeks after shoulder surgery are full of questions — and most of them come up when nobody is around to answer. The Shoulder Recovery Method gives you guidance from orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dan Orcutt, so you know what to expect alongside your surgeon and physical therapist.
A few quick questions. Your free recovery guide at the end.
recovery guidance
An orthopedic surgeon who kept hearing the same question
I'm Dr. Dan Orcutt, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder repair. After helping hundreds of patients through surgery, I noticed something the operating room can't fix.
One of the hardest parts of recovery isn't the pain — it's the uncertainty.
That's why I created the Shoulder Recovery Method: an educational coaching program designed to help you understand the recovery process and feel more confident during those first weeks — working alongside the care you're already getting.
Daniel Orcutt, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon · Shoulder & Rotator Cuff Repair
These are the questions almost every patient asks
If you're recovering from shoulder surgery, you've probably had a version of these run through your head — usually at 2am.
These are some of the most common concerns patients have after surgery. You don't have to figure it all out on your own.
Tell Dr. Dan where your recovery is right now
These are the checkpoints he uses to read a recovery trajectory. Answer honestly about the last 5–7 days — there are no wrong answers, only useful ones.
The Shoulder Recovery Audit
Think about how the last week has actually gone — not how you hoped it would go. Dr. Dan reads every response himself, then follows up with what he'd suggest for where you are.
Your copy of Is This Normal? is ready below, and it's yours to keep. Take it at your own pace — there's nothing in it you need to do today.
Download Your Free Recovery GuideWe've emailed you a copy as well, in case you'd rather read it later.
These questions are an educational self-check, not a diagnosis, and Dr. Dan's follow-up is general guidance rather than medical advice about your specific case. If something feels wrong — fever, sudden severe pain, or a change you're worried about — contact your own surgeon's office directly rather than waiting.
What's included
Practical education designed to complement your surgeon's and physical therapist's care — never to replace it.
Four live coaching sessions
Real-time sessions with Dr. Dan where you can ask the questions that come up between appointments.
Self-paced online course
Short, plain-language modules you can watch one-handed, at your own speed, whenever the question comes up.
Downloadable recovery checklist
A simple weekly reference so you're not trying to remember what you were told at your last visit.
Built around your care team
Everything is framed to support what your surgeon and therapist have already told you — not to second-guess it.
Recovery feels easier when you're not second-guessing every step
Take the free audit, see where your recovery is heading, and get the guide that walks you through every checkpoint.
Take the Free Recovery AuditA few quick questions · about 2 minutes · free guide included
Get the free recovery guide
Tell us where to send Is This Normal? — your first 8 weeks, explained.