If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from shoulder pain, you may be considering shoulder surgery. This is a big decision, and it is important to understand all that is involved in the process.

In this blog post, we will discuss shoulder surgery recovery and what you can expect during the healing process. We will also provide some helpful exercises to help strengthen your shoulder muscles after surgery. And finally, we will introduce you Dr. Daniel Hatch – an orthopedic surgeon dedicated to helping people recover from shoulder surgery quickly and effectively.

How Do Shoulder Injuries Happen?

There are many ways shoulder injuries can occur. The most common is due to wear and tear on the shoulder joint over time. This is often seen in older adults who have had years of repetitive motion in their shoulders, such as from working a manual labor job or playing sports.

Shoulder injuries can also happen suddenly, due to a fall or other trauma to the shoulder joint. While shoulder injuries are not always preventable, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk. 

  • First, maintain a good shoulder range of motion by doing regular stretching and mobility exercises. 
  • Second, use proper form when lifting objects to avoid putting unnecessary stress on the shoulder joint. 
  • Finally, be sure to warm up before participating in any physical activity that could put stress on the shoulder joint.

How Do You Know if You Need Surgery?

If you are experiencing shoulder pain that does not go away with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication, it is time to see a doctor. Your doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about your symptoms. They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to get a better look at the structures inside your shoulder joint.

Based on their findings, your doctor will determine if shoulder surgery is necessary.

What Are the Potential Complications?

As with any surgery, there are a few potential complications that can occur with shoulder surgery. These include infection, bleeding, and blood clots. While these complications are rare, it is important to be aware of them before undergoing surgery. 

Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of shoulder surgery with you so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the procedure.

How Long Does Shoulder Surgery Recovery Take?

The length of shoulder surgery recovery depends on the type of procedure you have done. For example, arthroscopic shoulder surgery typically has a shorter recovery time than open shoulder surgery. 

In general, however, you can expect to be in a sling for four to six weeks after shoulder surgery. During this time, it is important to keep your shoulder immobilized so that the tissue can heal properly. After about two weeks, you will begin physical therapy to help regain range of motion and then once you can move your arm comfortably you will start strengthening.  Full recovery from shoulder surgery usually takes several months depending on the specific surgery.

What Should You Expect During Recovery?

During the first few weeks after shoulder surgery, you will likely experience some pain and swelling. This is normal and will gradually improve as your body heals. You may also have some bruising and swelling around the incision site. These side effects can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. 

As you begin physical therapy, you may feel some discomfort as your shoulder muscles adjust to the new range of motion. However, this should subside with time and regular exercise.

Physical Therapy Exercises To Help Strengthen Your Shoulder

After shoulder surgery, it is important to do exercises that will help strengthen the muscles around your shoulder joint, but only after being cleared by your surgeon and with the direction of your physical therapist. 

Some examples of exercises that may be recommended include:

  • Shoulder presses
  • Lateral raises
  • Front raises
  • Chest stretch
  • Neck stretch
  • Eagle arm spinal rolls 

These exercises will help improve your range of motion and prevent stiffness in your shoulder joint.

How Can The Orthopedic Partners, an RCM Clinic Help?

Dr. M. Daniel Hatch is dedicated to helping people recover from shoulder surgery quickly and safely. We offer a variety of physical therapy services that can help you regain range of motion and strength in your shoulder. 

Our therapists are experienced in working with patients who have had shoulder surgery and can tailor a rehabilitation program specifically to your needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you recover from shoulder surgery.