When it comes to shoulder surgery recovery, everyone is different. Your age, the type of surgery you’ve undergone, activity and plenty of other things can impact how quickly you will be able to make a full recovery.
The most important thing is to not rush your own recovery and make sure that you follow advice that works for you. For some people recovery will be a longer process but you should listen to your body (and your doctors) and be patient with the process.
Faster Shoulder Surgery Recovery Tips
We all want to try and make sure we have a quick recovery from shoulder surgery, it can be frustrating to be limited in our movement and the sooner we can be sling-free and moving as normal, the better.
Here are some popular tips for shoulder surgery recovery that aim to keep your recovery on track:
Rest!
Getting a good amount of rest after your shoulder surgery is really important for your recovery.
Immediately after a surgery you can expect some bruising or swelling and it’s not uncommon to experience some discomfort as your body heals. Getting plenty of rest is key to making sure your body can heal itself.
It may feel boring to lay in bed or on a couch all day, so try and plan ahead of time for some sedentary activities. This can include building a puzzle, reading, completing a crossword puzzle, filling out a sudoku, binge watching that series you’ve been putting off, catching up on your favorite podcast, or video calling friends and family you haven’t seen in a while.
Take Your Doctor’s Advice On Shoulder Rehab and Exercises
Your doctor or surgeon will give you advice on movement and exercises to avoid based on your stage of recovery. They will likely recommend that you go to physical and occupational therapy, where you will learn exercises to help you regain control of your muscles and movements.
It’s important not to skip out on these sessions nor the home exercises they’ll assign. Even if it seems challenging or painful, this is the one assignment you need to follow. How much effort you put into physical therapy can often define your future mobility.
People who don’t do their daily exercises as recommended by the therapists, may not regain full shoulder mobility post-surgery. You should always follow their advice on exercise and movement to try and regain full movement and avoid reinjury.
Avoid Overworking Your Shoulder Post-Surgery
Some previously simple tasks are much more complicated following rotator cuff surgery or shoulder surgery.
Things like getting dressed, fastening your bra, and washing your hair are greatly impacted by your restricted movement.
If an action feels too difficult then it probably is. You may need help from friends or family early in your recovery but as time passes you can regain your independence with things like front fastening bras and post-op clothes.
Until you reach that point you should avoid overstretching or pushing movements that are extremely uncomfortable. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
Be Prepared For Your Shoulder Recovery
Understanding ahead of time that recovery isn’t always easy can help you to prepare and make the process easier for yourself.
You can prepare by organizing good clothing for after surgery and working with friends, family or caregivers to be sure you will have help when you need it.
It’s also important to communicate with your partner ahead of time, so they understand what kind of help you might need, learn how they can support you, and create a plan for how you will maintain your relationship and connection when one of you suddenly takes on a caregiving role.
Try To Maintain A Balanced Diet
Nutrition can be really important for your recovery. A healthy and balanced diet can help to accelerate the healing process. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to heal.
Be Patient
Lastly, patience during your shoulder recovery is crucial. Remember that recovery from shoulder surgery can take time, and it is important to take things slow and steady to avoid re-injuring your shoulder.
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Recovery For Seniors Who Need Independence
Shoulder replacement surgery can be a life-changing procedure for seniors who need independence in their daily activities. However, it is important to understand that the recovery process can take several weeks or even months, and you may need to make certain modifications to your lifestyle to ensure a successful recovery.
It’s not unusual to require assistance with things like dressing, cooking, and household chores after surgery, so it’s important to have a support system in place.
If you are acting as a caregiver, you can help senior family members or friends by gifting them independence where possible following surgery. There are items like post-surgery bras that can offer more privacy and independence and this can help people to feel better in their recovery.
