Tips for a Successful Shoulder Surgery Recovery

We Have Shoulder Surgery Recovery Tips To Help You Before And After Your Procedure

Pre and post-surgical physical therapy is an important component of successful recovery after surgical procedures. Physical therapy helps patients regain range of motion, rebuild strength, decrease pain, and return to their daily activities. Studies show that patients who participate in structured physical therapy after shoulder surgery experience significantly better outcomes compared to those who don’t engage in specialized rehabilitation. In this blog post, we’ll discuss shoulder surgery recovery tips so you know what to expect both before and after your procedure.

Set yourself up for recovery success with our physical therapy team.

A Personalized Shoulder Surgery Recovery

A recent patient of ours is a real-life example of how taking into account shoulder surgery recovery tips can make all the difference in a successful recovery.

She was an avid tennis player in her mid-40s. During one game, she reached high for an overhead shot and felt a sharp pain in her shoulder. The pain didn’t go away, and even simple tasks like brushing her hair or reaching for items on high shelves became difficult. She knew something was wrong but didn’t know where to start to fix it.

Her doctor diagnosed her with a rotator cuff tear, a common injury where the tendons that stabilize and move your shoulder joint get damaged. At first, she tried a few basic things, like rest and over-the-counter pain medication, to ease her pain and regain some movement. While those approaches helped manage her discomfort, her shoulder wasn’t getting any better. In the end, she opted for shoulder surgery to repair the torn tendon.

Despite her doctor’s referral to our clinic for physical therapy, she was a bit apprehensive at first because she thought it would be painful. We reassured her that we would work together to create a personalized plan that focused on her safety and gradual progress after surgery.

Early Stages of Pain Management

• We showed her how to properly use her harm sling to support her shoulder and protect it during the healing process.
• Range of motion exercises to work on regaining mobility without using her arm muscles
• Manual therapy techniques helped to improve blood flow to help healing and reduce pain.
• Ice to minimize pain

Building Strength

• Exercises progress to active movements that engage the muscles of the shoulder and shoulder blade.
• We incorporated resistance bands and light weights to help rebuild strength in her shoulder.
• We continually adjusted the exercises based on her pain levels and the healing process.

Restoring Function

• She worked on exercises that mimicked functional daily activities, like reaching overhead, lifting objects, and getting dressed.
• Exercises to restore full range of motion in all directions.
• Then, we practiced sport-specific movements to prepare her to return to tennis.

With consistent work, her shoulder pain decreased, her range of motion steadily improved, and she got progressively stronger. She was able to get back to the activities she loved, including tennis.

Shoulder Surgery Recovery Tips and Treatment From TOP Physical Therapy

Don’t wait until after your surgery to get started. Pre-hab with our physical therapists can set you up for success so you go into your procedure with confidence.

During your first visit, your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation. They’ll ask questions about your surgery, current pain levels, movement limitations, and your goals for getting back to your favorite activities. Then, they’ll assess your shoulder’s range of motion, strength, and overall function. This evaluation will help your PT create a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your specific needs and recovery stage.

If you are preparing for shoulder surgery, give us a call to schedule your first appointment. We’ll help you prepare for a successful recovery you can look forward to.