Whether you have suffered an injury or you have developed arthritis, a shoulder replacement surgery can be a great option for relieving pain and restoring the function of your shoulder joint. Your surgeon probably explained the surgery process, but you may not understand how your recovery will be. In most cases, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery. Once home, rest, pain management, and physical therapy will be your priorities to ensure an efficient and effective recovery. Here are a few essential tips to follow during your recovery after the replacement surgery.
1. Rest
When you are released from the hospital, you will want to return to your normal activities. However, resting your shoulder and making sure it is supported during your recovery is imperative to avoid pain and discomfort. Your arm will be in a sling for two to four weeks after surgery. This sling ensures your arm is not used after the replacement surgery, which protects the new components of your shoulder, allowing them to heal properly.
When you are sitting down, prop a pillow under your arm to support the shoulder even more. Also, begin using your other arm whenever possible for completing simple tasks like eating and dressing.
2. Manage Pain
Your surgeon will prescribe a pain medication that will be effective for easing pain and reducing inflammation, but heat is also a great option for relieving your discomfort. While you are resting, place a heating pad on the treated shoulder for a few minutes. You can also use a heating pad after physical therapy, since you may be sore after moving your shoulder.
3. Physical Therapy
You will work with physical therapists while in the hospital, helping your surgeon determine how well you can move the new components of your shoulder joint. Once you leave the hospital, physical therapy should continue to strengthen the shoulder's muscles, ligaments, and joint.
Therapists will come to your home, or you may need to visit a physical therapy facility. Before the actual exercises begin, the therapist will ask you to warm up with low-impact movements. This will prepare your body and your new shoulder for more extensive exercises.
Exercises may involve yoga stretches, swimming, lifting small weights, and stretching with exercise bands. It is important to remember that discomfort is normal during your physical therapy, but the pain and stress will decrease as you move through the recovery process.
Share4 September 2018
I'm not one to complain too much when my body hurts. But when I fractured my hip last year, I complained a whole lot. My broken hip kept me from being active in life. I felt completely helpless because I could no longer move freely or get around home without my family's assistance. After spending several months in pain, I saw an orthopedist for care. My orthopedist examined my fractured hip and found an infection in the joint. I underwent surgery to remove the damaged tissue and replace it with an artificial hip joint. Now, I feel so much better. My new hip gives me the freedom to move around again. If you have pain in one of your bones from injury or disease, read my blog. I show you how to find an orthopedist who can help you get back your life. Thanks for reading.
