Today’s shoulder surgeries are more technologically advanced than ever. They feature smaller incisions, improved recovery times and better outcomes. That said, you want your rehabilitation to be as successful as possible. In this blog, we will discuss some tips to help you improve your recovery after shoulder surgery period.
Why Do People Need Shoulder Surgery?
People need shoulder surgery for a variety of reasons, but the most common are rotator cuff injuries, arthritis, and shoulder instability. These conditions can be debilitating and affect movements such as reaching overhead or lifting objects. Shoulder surgery is recommended when conservative treatments fail to relieve pain and improve strength and range of motion.
Conditions that may lead either to open, arthroscopic (small incision), or reconstructive surgery are:
- Osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that affects the cartilage in the shoulder joint, causing inflammation, pain, and limited function.
- Tendinitis, inflammation in the rotator cuff connective tissue. This condition can include painful calcifications within the tendons as well.
- Sports injuries, most notably rotator cuff tears.
- Work injuries from heavy lifting or repetitive motions.
- Falls or other traumatic impacts leading to fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations.
- Shoulder instability from repeated dislocations.
You and your orthopedic doctor will consult on your specific health history and therapeutic goals. You also will undergo a physical examination and digital imaging to determine what course of treatment is best for you.
Tips for Successful Rehabilitation After Shoulder Surgery
Your recovery from shoulder surgery will take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on your particular procedure, health, and ability to do your therapies. Rest is very important during the first two weeks of your recovery. However, you may be surprised to learn that physical therapy – that is, special movements and care to advance healing and motion – begins very early in your recovery process.
Here are important tips to advance recovery and healing after shoulder surgery.
Prepare For Your Shoulder Surgery
Before your procedure, prepare both mentally and physically. This includes following any pre-operative instructions provided by your shoulder surgeon. Examples include stopping all tobacco usage and discontinuing certain medications, vitamins, and supplements.
At this time, it is also encouraged that you educate yourself on your particular shoulder procedure and what to expect during recovery. Read all the materials your healthcare team gives you and ask your orthopedic doctor questions. Knowledge, after all, is empowering.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
It may seem obvious, but following your doctor’s instructions is foundational to a successful recovery. This includes taking medication as prescribed, attending physical therapy appointments, and using any necessary braces, slings, or other durable medical equipment correctly and consistently.
Make sure you understand how to take care of your surgical wound. Your shoulder surgeon will also tell you when you can return to work, drive, and do specific motions, such as reaching or lifting.
Manage Pain and Swelling
After surgery, you will have some pain and swelling in the affected shoulder. To manage this discomfort, take pain medications as prescribed and on time. Use ice packs or cold compresses as directed by your doctor or physical therapist.
Start Physical Therapy Early
Physical therapy is an essential component of rehabilitation after shoulder surgery. It helps improve range of motion, strength, and function in the shoulder joint. Your physical therapist will give you exercises to do at home in addition to your clinic therapy sessions.
You will begin physical therapy early after surgery. This helps prevent stiffness and muscle weakness. Follow your therapist’s instructions and attend all scheduled appointments for optimal recovery.
Post-Operative Shoulder Care at Home
After your shoulder surgery, you will spend a few hours in a recovery room before being discharged. You must have a responsible adult family member or friend available to drive you home and help with daily tasks for the first week or so.
If possible, have your helper arrange your TV, computer, remote, and other things you routinely use in one place. Limit how much you reach, bend, and twist. Stay within your “comfort zone” to avoid putting unnecessary strain on your shoulder and on the rest of your body.
Be sure you move. However, do so carefully to minimize the chances of injuring your surgical site or, worse, taking a fall.
Finally, drink plenty of water and eat a nutritious diet. Both improve the quality of your healing and your total recovery time.
The Best Shoulder Surgeons in The Baltimore, MD, Area
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, our eight board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons are experts in upper extremity care. We treat injuries, conditions, and deformities of the hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder accurately and compassionately.
If you are having shoulder surgery soon or think you need an evaluation of your shoulder, come see us at one of our five convenient locations in Bel Air, Clarksville, Pasadena, Lutherville or Westminster, MD. Call (410) 296-6232 to schedule your appointment today or request your appointment online.
We will help you understand your treatment options and how to have the best possible result. Contact us today!
