As your shoulder surgery approaches, you want to know more about it and your recovery. How much pain will you experience? When can you return to work and drive again? Will your shoulder joint actually improve?
Here are the answers to these questions. Additionally, we have mentioned where you can go for excellent shoulder surgery in Baltimore, MD.
What Are the Objectives of My Shoulder Surgery?
If you are a candidate for shoulder surgery, you have been experiencing poor movement and flexibility and a fair amount of pain in the affected joint. Maybe you have arthritis and need the ball and socket components of your shoulder fully replaced. Or, you have a frayed or torn rotator cuff from playing football. Maybe you fractured your shoulder in a fall.
Whatever the case, your shoulder surgeon will attempt to restore your joint:
- Strength
- Range of motion and flexibility
- Comfort and freedom of movement
Beforehand, you and your orthopedic specialist will discuss your desired therapeutic outcomes. Your surgery and rehabilitation after ward will be tailored to your goals, health, age, activity level, and more.
Will I Be Hospitalized for My Surgery?
Small incision arthroscopic procedures may be performed as day surgeries. Others, such as total joint replacement, require a short hospital stay.
Will I Have a Large Incision?
While many surgeries have large incisions–total shoulder replacement, for instance–others feature one or two small incisions and limited suturing. Again, much depends on the kind of surgery you require and how much joint damage you have.
Either way, you will take care of your incision at home, ensuring the sutures are not disturbed or wet. Also, you’ll have to check it for signs of infection–drainage, bleeding, redness, and warmth.
Will I Be Able to Move My Operated Arm,and When?
Shoulder surgery recovery almost always requires immobilization with a sling. That being said, you may be surprised at how quickly your rehabilitation exercises and movements will begin. Your physical and/or occupational therapist will see you during your surgery or the day after to begin simple movements and strengthening exercises.
How Much Postoperative Pain Will I Experience?
Pain is an unavoidable part of orthopedic surgery. However, your recovery team will provide the medications you need to relieve that pain and stay ahead as you are discharged to home or rehab. Take your pain meds as prescribed by your surgeon, and finish any antibiotics to avoid infection.
What’s The Best At-home Exercise for Me?
As you regain your strength and balance, walking is one of the best exercises to do as you recover. It builds muscular and cardiovascular endurance, involves no lifting or reaching, and improves your mood, too.
When Can I Drive and Return to Work?
This is a question best answered by your orthopedic surgeon. However, the average time is about six to 12 weeks, or until you no longer need a sling to restrict your movements.
If your shoulder condition is work-related–that is, you have a condition or injury caused by your job–our physicians can determine your MMI or Maximal Medical Improvement. For purposes of Workers’ Compensation and return to work, the MMI helps determine if you can work and in what capacities.
When Will My Shoulder Be Completely Healed and Rehabilitated?
It will take some weeks to months to be completely healed and rehabilitated. More complex procedures involve more therapy and patience. However, most people report they are happy they had their procedures.
The Finest in Orthopedic Care in Baltimore, MD
If you’re dealing with chronic shoulder pain and poor function, do not hesitate to get proper orthopedic treatment. Our team of board-certified orthopedic doctors at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder offers expert evaluation and a wide range of treatment options. Shoulder surgeries are just part of what our nine board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and their talented team do.
To learn more about how we can help you have less pain and more movement and strength, call us for a consultation at (410) 296-6232. Alternatively, request your appointment online. We are here to answer all your questions.
