Recovery from Shoulder Separation Surgery

According to the Mayo Clinic, a shoulder separation occurs when the ligaments that attach to the junction of the collar bone (clavicle) and the top of the shoulder blade (scapula) become injured. A separation is usually the result of sudden impact or a fall while the arm is in a fully extended overhead position.

Considerations

• Surgery for a separated shoulder becomes necessary when rest, immobilization, and physical therapy will not rehabilitate the injury.

Recovery

• Monitoring the patient in the hospital after surgery for excess bleeding, signs of infection, and intolerable pain may be necessary. The physician might order a morphine pump so the patient can control his own pain medication by pressing a button. Controlling pain is crucial for healing and is easier to treat at onset rather than waiting until it becomes too intense to tolerate.

Discharge

• Discharge will not take place until the patient is stable and pain can be controlled by prescription medication. As pain decreases, the doctor will decrease prescription medication and recommend over the counter pain medication.

Healing

• Following the surgeon's post operative care instruction are imperative to healing. There is an acronym RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) that is used after trauma such as injuries and surgery. It is important to take time to RICE while recovering.

Potential

• Paying close attention to performing all stretches and exercises prescribed by the physical therapist during rehabilitation is key to a successful surgery and regaining full pain free use of the shoulder.