– Rest and Immobilization:
• Keep your arm in the sling provided by your surgeon
• Minimize shoulder movement to protect the surgical site
– Pain Management:
• Take prescribed pain medications as directed
• Use ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 1-2 hours to reduce swelling and pain
– Wound Care:
• Keep the surgical site clean and dry
• Follow your surgeon’s instructions for dressing changes
– Continued Use of Sling:
• Wear the sling as instructed by your surgeon, typically for 1-2 weeks
• Remove only for hygiene purposes and prescribed exercises
– Gentle Range of Motion Exercises:
• Begin passive range of motion exercises as directed by your physical therapist
• Focus on gentle pendulum exercises to prevent stiffness
– Pain Management:
• Continue with prescribed pain medications and ice therapy
• Gradually reduce medication as pain subsides
– Wound Care:
• Keep incisions clean and dry
• Watch for signs of infection (redness, warmth, increased pain, or discharge)
– Gradual Increase in Activity:
• Begin to wean off the sling as directed by your surgeon
• Start active-assisted range of motion exercises
– Physical Therapy:
• Attend regular physical therapy sessions
• Focus on improving flexibility and gradually increasing strength
– Pain Management:
• Continue with ice therapy as needed
• Transition to over-the-counter pain medications if prescribed by your doctor
– Return to Daily Activities:
• Gradually resume light daily activities, avoiding heavy lifting or overhead movements
– Progressive Strengthening:
• Begin more intensive strengthening exercises under the guidance of your physical therapist
• Focus on rotator cuff and scapular stabilizer muscles
– Increased Range of Motion:
• Work towards full range of motion in all directions
– Functional Activities:
• Gradually reintroduce functional activities that mimic daily tasks and work-related movements
– Sport-Specific Training:
• For athletes, begin sport-specific exercises and drills
• Gradually increase intensity and duration of activities
– Return to Work:
• Most patients can return to desk jobs within a few weeks
• Physical jobs may require 3-6 months before full return, depending on demands
– Continued Strengthening:
• Maintain a regular exercise routine to support long-term shoulder health
– Adherence to Rehabilitation Protocol:
• Follow your surgeon’s and physical therapist’s instructions closely
• Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments and therapy sessions
– Proper Nutrition:
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support tissue healing
• Stay hydrated to promote overall health and recovery
– Adequate Sleep:
• Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night to support the body’s healing processes
– Stress Management:
• Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress, which can impede healing
– Avoid Harmful Activities:
• Refrain from smoking, as it can delay healing and increase complication risks
• Avoid alcohol consumption, especially while taking pain medications
– Stiffness:
• Consistently perform prescribed exercises to maintain and improve flexibility
• Use heat therapy before exercises to improve tissue elasticity
– Persistent Pain:
• Communicate with your healthcare team if pain persists or worsens
• Modify activities as needed and use ice therapy for pain relief
– Weakness:
• Be patient with the strengthening process, as it takes time to rebuild muscle strength
• Consistently perform prescribed exercises to gradually improve strength
– Regular Exercise:
• Continue with a maintenance exercise program to support shoulder health
• Focus on maintaining strength and flexibility of the rotator cuff and scapular muscles
– Ergonomic Considerations:
• Optimize your work and home environments to reduce shoulder strain
• Use proper body mechanics when performing daily activities
– Balanced Fitness Routine:
• Incorporate overall body conditioning to support shoulder function
• Include exercises for core strength and posture improvement
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:
• Increased pain, swelling, or redness around the surgical site
• Fever or chills
• Unusual drainage from the incision
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
• Sudden loss of motion or strength in the shoulder
– Recovery Timeline:
• Full recovery can take 4-6 months or longer, depending on the specific procedure and individual factors
• Be patient and celebrate small milestones in your recovery journey
– Variability in Outcomes:
• Understand that each person’s recovery is unique
• Focus on your progress rather than comparing yourself to others
– Emotional Well-being:
• Recognize that recovery can be emotionally challenging
• Seek support from family, friends, or a mental health professional if needed
– Goal Setting:
• Set realistic, achievable goals to maintain motivation throughout recovery
• Celebrate progress, no matter how small
– Posture Awareness:
• Practice good posture to reduce strain on the shoulder joint
• Use ergonomic tools and furniture to support proper alignment
– Activity Modification:
• Learn to modify activities that may stress the shoulder
• Use assistive devices when necessary to reduce shoulder strain
– Gradual Progress:
• Understand that recovery is a gradual process
• Avoid rushing through rehabilitation stages to prevent setbacks
– Consistency in Rehabilitation:
• Maintain a consistent approach to your exercises and therapy
• Even on days when you feel better, adhere to your prescribed program
– Gradual Return to Sports:
• Work with your healthcare team to develop a safe plan for returning to sports or high-demand activities • Incorporate sport-specific training gradually to ensure proper technique and strength
– Injury Prevention Strategies:
• Learn and implement strategies to prevent future shoulder injuries • This may include proper warm-up routines and technique modifications
– Massage Therapy:
• Consider incorporating massage to help with muscle tension and circulation
• Always consult with your healthcare team before starting any new therapies
– Acupuncture:
• Some patients find acupuncture helpful for pain management
• Discuss with your doctor if this might be appropriate for you
