What to Expect After Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Living with chronic shoulder pain can severely impact your quality of life. When conservative treatment options like medication, physical therapy, and cortisone injections no longer provide relief, your doctor may recommend total shoulder replacement surgery. It’s important to know what to expect during recovery after surgery, so you can make plans, set expectations, and prepare both mentally and physically. In this blog post, we’ll explore what to expect after total shoulder replacement surgery.
1. Pain Management
Pain is normal after total shoulder replacement surgery, but it can be managed with medication. Your doctor will prescribe pain management medication and give you instructions on how to take it. You may need to take pain medication for up to six weeks after surgery. It’s important to take medication as prescribed to reduce the risk of complications like nausea, constipation, and addiction. If you have a history of addiction or substance abuse, inform your doctor before surgery. They can work with you to develop a plan for pain management after surgery.
2. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery after total shoulder replacement surgery. Your doctor will likely recommend starting physical therapy soon after surgery. Physical therapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your shoulder. Your physical therapist will work with you to develop a customized plan to ensure a full recovery. It’s important to follow their instructions and attend all physical therapy sessions. Skipping or delaying sessions can result in a longer recovery time.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Recovering from total shoulder replacement surgery requires making some lifestyle changes. You’ll need to limit certain activities that require using your shoulder, like lifting heavy objects or reaching overhead. Your doctor will give you specific instructions on what activities to avoid and for how long. It’s also important to prepare your home for your recovery. You may need to rearrange furniture or move items to make your home more accessible. For example, you may need to move items from high shelves to lower ones.
4. Follow-up Appointments
Follow-up appointments with your doctor are important after total shoulder replacement surgery. Your doctor will monitor your progress and ensure your recovery is on track. They may order imaging tests like X-rays to check the status of your implant. Follow-up appointments usually occur at two weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, and one year after surgery. It’s important to attend all follow-up appointments and inform your doctor of any concerns or problems you experience.
5. Returning to Normal Activities
Returning to normal activities after total shoulder replacement surgery can take time and patience. Your doctor will clear you to return to certain activities as you progress in your recovery. It’s important to follow their instructions and not rush the process. Returning to activities too soon can result in further injury or complications. Listen to your body and communicate with your doctor and physical therapist about any concerns or problems you experience.
Conclusion
Total shoulder replacement surgery can alleviate chronic shoulder pain and improve your quality of life. If you're considering total shoulder replacement surgery, talk to an orthopedic surgeon in Deland, FL, like Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute, to see if it's right for you.
It's important to understand what to expect during recovery after surgery. Pain management, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, follow-up appointments, and returning to normal activities are all important aspects of recovery after surgery. Remember to follow your doctor's instructions, attend all physical therapy and follow-up appointments, and communicate any concerns or problems you experience.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today. With time and patience, you'll be able to return to the activities you love and enjoy a pain-free life.