Tips for Following a Recovery Plan after Shoulder Replacement Surgery
While shoulder replacement surgery is not an immediate fix for shoulder pain, it is designed to relieve pain, restore shoulder motion, and get a person back to many of the activities they once enjoyed. Choosing the right surgeon for this intricate procedure is vital, but following your rehab instructions is equally essential to successful recovery.
Orthopedic surgeons are known for their experience and skill in shoulder replacement surgery. Although carefully detailed rehabilitation plans are created for patients undergoing shoulder replacement surgery, there are a few helpful tips to keep in mind about following the recovery plan. Visit Floridaboneandjoint.com to find an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona to initiate a recovery plan and provide for all your surgical needs.
What is shoulder replacement surgery?
A healthy shoulder is a ball-and-socket type of joint with a greater range of motion than any other joint in the body. The goal during replacement is to return the shoulder’s range of motion as close to normal as possible and relieve pain. The damaged joint is replaced with artificial components that include the ball at the end of the arm bone and the shallow socket, or glenoid, in your shoulder blade that contains the ball.
Shortly after the surgery begins, an intricate rehabilitation and recovery process is designed specifically with you in mind. Vital to a successful outcome, rehabilitation takes several months to complete and requires your full attention and careful cooperation.
Commit to working the plan
Every instruction given during rehab is designed with complete recovery in mind, and your participation is required shortly after the procedure. Once the anesthetic wears off, and movement is possible in the fingers and wrist, making a fist several times a day will be ordered to restore circulation to the affected arm. While in the hospital, a physical therapist will guide range-of-motion exercises that help keep the shoulder and elbow flexible. Investing effort during these activities will help to speed recovery.
A physical therapist will provide detailed instructions for performing exercises several times a day. And they will also offer restrictions regarding the weight you can lift and activities you can perform during all phases of your rehabilitation. Ignoring these instructions can lengthen recovery time and increase post-surgical pain. In addition, you will have required physical therapy sessions with a professional during your recovery. These physical therapy exercises are designed to restore strength and range of motion to the shoulder. Skipping sessions or overlooking any part of the rehabilitation process can leave you with a stiff, unresponsive joint.
Do not hesitate to ask for help.
Some surgeons will require shoulder replacement candidates to arrange for home caregivers and support before scheduling your surgery because assistance is necessary for driving and household duties during the healing process. Asking for help during the initial stages of recovery often promotes faster healing and a quicker return to independence.
Be prepared
Simple steps like gathering a wardrobe that is easy to put on, placing fresh water and medicine within reach, and preparing nutritious meals that can be eaten with one hand will make those first few days at home more comfortable. It can be helpful to utilize an occupational therapist to evaluate your home and design a post-surgical plan that fits your space and lifestyle.
Stay Active
It may be three months or more before being released to return to a moderate workout routine, but daily exercise is vital to overall health. Walking to the mailbox or taking a stroll around the block may be all that is recommended initially. Still, even this light activity can improve mood, increase energy, and help muscles and joints recover from surgery. Visit us at Floridaboneandjoint.com to find support in the healing process with an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona and surrounding areas.