4 Habits That Support Strong Healthy Shoulder Joints
Daily habits influence shoulder health. Certain habits may harm shoulder health, while others can enhance it. Find out which habits to adopt to keep your shoulders strong and healthy.
Advice for Speeding Recovery from Shoulder Replacement Surgery
If you have shoulder damage that hasn’t responded well to conservative treatment, you may be a strong candidate for shoulder replacement surgery. This procedure removes damaged bone and replaces it with prosthetics made of metal and plastic.
Shoulder replacement surgery is considered highly successful; 95% of people have virtually no shoulder pain one year after the procedure. Approaching your recovery process well can help ensure you’re among that population.
Orthopedic shoulder and sports medicine surgeon Dr. Matthew Pifer and the team at our office in Santa Barbara, California, specializeS in shoulder procedures, including shoulder replacement surgery.
If you’re considering this procedure, check out the following tips for enhancing your recovery.
Don’t try to rush it
While there’s a lot you can do to support your healing process after shoulder replacement surgery, speediness shouldn’t be your top priority. Instead, take the follow-up instructions we provide seriously.
You may not be able to pick up anything heavier than a standard glass of water for about a month. It may take 8-12 weeks to enjoy normal function. Respecting the timeline lowers your risk of complications that prolong recovery.
Apply ice to your shoulder
Cooling your shoulder with an ice pack or cold compress can minimize pain and swelling after shoulder replacement surgery. Apply ice frequently, about three times per day, for at least the first 2-3 days after your procedure. From there, you can apply ice as desired.
Take over-the-counter pain medication
Over-the-counter pain medication can help minimize your pain post-surgery. Research shows that taking acetaminophen routinely after shoulder surgery can improve pain control and lower the need for opioids (which we may prescribe for your initial days of recovery).
And less pain makes it easier to rest, which plays a key role in your body’s healing.
Participate in physical therapy
Not all patients need physical therapy after shoulder replacement surgery, but it can bolster your healing process by reducing stiffness and helping you regain strength and flexibility.
Several days after your surgery, your provider may recommend range-of-motion exercises, such as tiny motions involving your hand, elbow, and wrist. Over time, you progress to exercises like shoulder shrugs.
Stay in touch with your treatment team
Dr. Fisher and his team are here to guide and support you through your shoulder replacement surgery recovery. If you notice abnormal symptoms, such as increased pain, fever, or swelling, contact our office so we can address these problems quickly.
We can also answer any questions about appropriate activity, pain management, and more.
To learn more about shoulder replacement recovery or get personalized guidance, call the location nearest you or book an appointment through our website today.
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