|  | Surgeries Operations | Surgeries

Recovering from Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery is often needed when people complain of pain caused by a torn rotator cuff, a nerve injury or other problems that cause pain and discomfort. Often, people with shoulder problems complain of a popping, grinding or clicking when they move their shoulder and sometimes shoulder surgery is the only option to ease or eliminate the discomfort. It is important to take precautions and care for your shoulder when you are recovering from shoulder surgery.

  1. Early Recovery

    • Depending on the type of shoulder surgery that you have, you may have to stay in the hospital for a few hours or up to a few days with your arm in a sling. Patients also need to avoid solid foods and are given only liquids after surgery. Ice wrapped in a towel and applied to the shoulder can also help to relieve some pain and discomfort.

    Physical Therapy and Shoulder Movement

    • One of the most popular ways to recover from shoulder surgery and other kinds of surgery is physical therapy. Exercises that are done with a physical therapist can help you to regain movement in your shoulders. Physical therapy exercises can help patients speed recovery and can either be done in the hospital or at home depending on the extent of the patient's needs. The arm should always be kept in a sling except during therapy and when bathing and the injured arm should not be used for anything else for the first 12 weeks. However, moving the arm at or below the elbow is allowed. In addition, do not drive until the sling has been removed and you have gained full control of your arm.

    Pain Relief

    • Like most operations, pain is usually felt after the surgery and the extent of the pain depends on the kind of surgery that you had. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication after surgery such as oral pain medications or you'll continue to receive pain medications intravenously. When you return home, pain can be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Depending on the type of surgery you had, your pain and discomfort should begin to subside after about 3 to 4 weeks. Managing the pain after surgery is crucial as you need to be able to perform necessary exercises to fully recover.

    Full Recovery

    • When you have fully recovered from shoulder surgery, it is important to meet with your doctor and physical therapist. You should discuss what physical activities would be appropriate for you such as playing sports, swimming or lifting heavy weights.

Surgeries - Related Articles