If you’ve already been on an extensive course of conservative treatment for your shoulder problem, but without success, your orthopedic doctor will likely recommend surgery to address the problem altogether.
Given the complexity of the shoulder, surgical intervention to resolve problems in it can entail weeks or even months of recovery. The information provided below can help set your expectations for how long it may take for you to recover from shoulder surgery and what to expect throughout the phase.
How Long Will My Recovery Take?
Shoulder surgery recovery can vary case by case. It generally depends on a number of factors, namely:
- Absence or presence of complications
- The type, approach, and complexity of surgery
- Your adherence to your postoperative treatment plan
- Your age
- Your overall health and physical condition
If your shoulder surgery is minor, you may be able to return to your normal day-to-day activities within several days or a week following your procedure as long as you don’t develop any complications. If your procedure is complicated, it may take longer for you to recover. For instance, rotator cuff surgery can require a slow and lengthy recovery: it is typical to experience continued pain and soreness for six months or even more.
Your care team will provide you with comprehensive postoperative guidance to ensure a safe and successful recovery and faster return to your normal activities.
What to Expect
Below are the important aspects of your postoperative care plan:
- Incision Care and Pain Management
Your incision, no matter how large or small, will require routine dressing changes. Keep your stitches dry, and watch for signs of infection (e.g., fever, redness, warmth at the surgical site, drainage, and increased swelling, etc.).
Your doctor will likely recommend that you apply ice pack or cold compress to soothe the swelling and relieve the pain.
Take your antibiotics and pain medications as prescribed to prevent infection and ensure your comfort as you recover.
- Immobilization
Your doctor will likely recommend that you wear a sling for several weeks following your surgery to keep your arm in place and limit the movement of your shoulder so that it will heal properly. You will likely be advised to avoid the following movements:
- Reaching overhead
- Moving your operated arm laterally across your body
- Raising your arm above waist level
- Pushing or pulling with the affected side
- Lifting anything
As your recovery progresses, you will be allowed to leave your sling off for longer periods. You may be able to do light housework and drive within six weeks or less, but certain occupations may take longer.
- Modifications to Your Home Environment
Be proactive about your home environment. Fall-proof your home by installing the necessary equipment. Have a shower chair in the bathroom ahead of your surgery. Arrange your furniture to avoid tripping hazards, and keep your essentials within easy reach.
Streamline your other day-to-day tasks prior to your procedure. Don’t be shy about asking for help. Getting assistance from people you know can play an important role in your recovery.
- Physical Therapy
Your PT program will begin anytime following your surgery. Your therapist will show you ways to protect your shoulder and safely accomplish everyday activities.
Your therapy over the next several weeks will include active and passive stretching and exercises to help you regain your shoulder mobility, strength, and flexibility, and ultimately return to your normal day-to-day tasks.
Shoulder Surgery in Lutherville, MD
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are best known for their clinical acumen, expertise, and unwavering dedication to delivering excellent patient outcomes for the full range of upper-extremity conditions—including those that might require shoulder surgery. Our “shoulder guys” are highly trained in arthroscopy, helping scores of patients suffering from shoulder instability, rotator cuff tears, ligament tears, and other conditions successfully regain their normal function in a minimally invasive way.
To schedule a consultation with one of our shoulder specialists here at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, call us at (410) 296-6232, or request your appointment right here on our website.
We are proudly serving Lutherville, Pasadena, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Westminster, Baltimore, and Bel Air, Maryland.
