A shoulder replacement may be the best answer for persistent discomfort and restricted function, even if nonsurgical treatment is often effective for many orthopedic diseases and accidents. Surgery may be indicated for a serious shoulder injury, although medication and physical therapy may be sufficient for treating symptoms like occasional discomfort, stiffness, numbness, or paralysis. Shoulder replacement surgery involves inserting artificial (prosthetic) components into all or a portion of the shoulder joint. Remember, you will only need shoulder replacement West Orange if other therapies have failed or the damage or disease is severe.
If you have had shoulder surgery, read on for some of the best advice on recovering well.
Prepare your shower
This first piece of advice is something you can do ahead of time to prepare for your operation. Having the right fixtures in your shower will help you wash with as little stress and discomfort as possible while rehabilitating your shoulder. After surgery, it is much more convenient to shower if you have a detachable showerhead. Unless your doctor gives the all-clear, you should not expose the incision site to water. Another option is to use a waterproof bandage or a plastic bag sealed with tape.
Physical therapy
After surgery, you will engage in physical therapy to restore strength and mobility to your arm. Your therapist will devise a rehabilitation plan that lets you gently go through your range of motion to ease the pain and stiffness in your shoulder. As a bonus, you should talk to your physical therapist about doing certain exercises before shoulder surgery. With this “prehab,” you may get your shoulder replacement surgery off to a good start in terms of healing.
Make sure you are sleeping well
Ensuring you are sleeping in the appropriate posture is crucial to the healing process. If you sleep awkwardly, you may aggravate the discomfort and put more stress on your shoulder. Even while asleep, it is best to preserve your shoulder by keeping your arm in a sling. Once the discomfort subsides, you may sleep on your back after resting on the side where the operation was not performed.
Get some assistance throughout the healing process
Throughout the first few weeks after your recovery, you will need assistance with routine tasks like cooking and laundry. Plan to have friends or relatives visit if you currently live alone. You may also choose to remain in a rehabilitation center until you regain full mobility in your shoulder and can return home. Putting unnecessary strain on your artificial joint might delay recovery and could even result in problems or the need for further surgery.
Maintain your dressing
Please pay close attention to your doctor’s advice on how often you should change your dressing and how to care for it properly. A week following surgery, most doctors will remove the sutures. Following this time, you should not take long hot baths or showers since it might damage the incisions.
The success of your rehabilitation after surgery depends on incorporating these simple suggestions. By adhering to the necessary post-operation instructions, you can recover smoothly as you return to your daily routine. If you have any questions about shoulder replacement, schedule a consultation with Orange Orthopaedic associates today for more information.
