There are many different types of surgical procedures that are performed on the shoulder. For many people, the biggest mistake that they make is to try to use their shoulder too soon after the surgery, resulting in pain, swelling, and slower overall healing. In some cases, using or overusing a shoulder too soon after surgery can even result in significant re-injury, even if you are not lifting, pushing, or twisting the shoulder and the arm.
The best tip to ensure that your shoulder will heal properly after surgery is to follow all the instructions provided by your doctor and your physical therapist. Typically, these professionals will give you verbal information about how much you can move or work with your shoulder and what you should watch for. They will also indicate that there might be complications, or that you might need to go back to the doctor.
Compression and Inflammation Reduction
With many types of shoulder surgery, compression therapy is often recommended. New designs in compression allow you to use either ice packs or circulating cold water in the compression wrap. This will help to reduce inflammation and control swelling, both which can speed up your recovery and healing.
Immobilization
Not having the ability to move your shoulder after surgery causes a lot of complications in your life, but it is often the best way to help your shoulder recover. Immobilization for periods of time, combined with compression and cold therapy as well as specific exercise and physical therapy, is an important combination for healing.
Pain Medications
While most people want to limit their use of pain medications as soon as possible after surgery, they are important to allow you to get the rest that your body needs to regenerate, recover, and heal. Your doctor can work with you to determine the right type of pain medication, the dosage you should take, and the amount of time that you should continue the medication.
Physical Therapy
Even very quickly after surgery, your doctor may recommend physical therapy. This is important, as with a fully immobilized shoulder you can still work the muscles in your hands and fingers using specially designed exercises from your physical therapist.
It is important to only do the recommended exercises and not try to create your own home exercise program. Once you are able to do more, your doctor and physical therapist will step up your exercise. This will allow your muscles to develop in order to properly support your shoulder after the surgery.
To learn more about shoulder surgery recovery, visit us online. We are easy to find at www.suburbanortho.com.
