Shoulder surgery can be a daunting process. Like any surgical procedure, it’s important to be prepared before going in. Doctors will often tell you what to expect during the surgery. You should also consider the longer-lasting effects that can continue once your operation is complete.
Though surgery can be intimidating, education can help. Learning about the things patients wish they knew before shoulder surgery can help ensure you are taking all the steps to get the best care. Shoulder surgeries can range from full shoulder replacements to operations after sports injuries. No matter the reasons for your shoulder surgery, the following list should help you in both your preparation and recovery.
Preparing for surgery
Of all the things patients wish they knew before shoulder surgery, specific steps for preparation may be some of the most helpful. After all, preparing for surgery can be overwhelming. It’s important to take the time to properly prepare so you can enjoy a smooth recovery.
- Prepare an accessible recovery space in your home — After surgery, your movements will probably be limited. To make life easier for yourself once you are back home, make clear pathways to all the spaces you’ll want to use after surgery. Dishes and cups are often kept in high cabinets, so you may want to move these to a place where you can reach them without extending your arm too far.
- Gather necessary medical equipment — Usually, your doctor will provide a sling to keep your arm in place after surgery. Depending on the surgery, you may also be advised to wear a shoulder immobilizer. This is a kind of firm shoulder brace to help you recover properly after surgery. The length of time you should wear this equipment will vary depending on the surgery’s intensity and how well your recovery process goes.
- Attend pre-surgical rehab — Depending on your upcoming surgery, your doctor may have already recommended pre-surgical rehabilitation. This is something you may wish to know about this before shoulder surgery, as it can have a large effect on your outcome. A big benefit of this practice is that it can help strengthen your body for surgery and has continued benefits afterward. Besides strengthening muscles in preparation for surgery, pre-surgical rehab also improves blood flow and circulation to promote healing.
4 more things I wish I knew before shoulder surgery
After surgery, there are many steps you can take to keep the process smooth. Things patients might wish they knew before shoulder surgery include how to best manage pain and deal with emotionally taxing challenges. Knowing how to engage with the recovery process beforehand can make you well equipped to face the obstacles that come your way.
- Recovery takes time — Even when the surgery is complete, there will be a road ahead to full recovery. It can take several months for the shoulder to fully heal, and longer for strength and range of motion to return. You may wish to know something about your shoulder surgery recovery timeline before the procedure, but doctors can only provide estimates. Throughout recovery, it is important to remember your limits and set realistic expectations.
- Pain management is important — Pain is a normal part of the healing process. That being said, it still isn’t pleasant. You will likely have a pain management plan in place following your surgery. This may include prescription medication and physical therapy. Communicating with your health care team about your pain levels lets them provide more targeted relief methods.
- Remember emotional support — Your physical well-being can affect your mental health, and vice versa. There may be bumps along your journey to recovery, and it is normal to be frustrated at times. It can help to acknowledge the mental and emotional challenges of recovery, and be willing to seek out support from a counselor or people close to you. Surgery support groups can also be a great resource.
- Physical therapy is crucial — Physical therapy is important to the recovery process in many ways. Not only does it help restore range of motion and strength, it can also promote healing and even prevent scar tissue from forming. This can make a huge long-term difference in the shoulder’s function. This is something patients may wish they had known before shoulder surgery, as neglecting physical therapy can prolong recovery and negatively impact the healing outcome. Remember to always follow through with physical therapy appointments and completing your at-home exercises.
Panther Physical Therapy can help you before and after shoulder surgery
At Panther Physical Therapy, our expert therapists prioritize your health and recovery. Founded in 2003, we have a long history of helping people prepare for and recover from surgeries. Our physical therapy practices can make surgery easier, reduce pain, and promote quick and thorough healing. You can also speak to our professionals about things you wish to know before shoulder surgery. We want to help you get back to doing the things you love.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.