Advances in shoulder surgery have reduced recovery and rehabilitation times significantly. Most surgeries can now be performed arthroscopically, through a few small holes, resulting in less trauma to surrounding tissues. It is still likely that you will experience some discomfort and pain following your shoulder surgery. Fortunately, there are things that you can do to lessen the severity of pain that you experience.
According to The Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you should contact your surgeon if you experience fever after the second day of surgery, increasing pain or swelling, redness, warmth, or tenderness near the incisions, unusual bleeding or numbness or tingling of the arm or hand.
Pain Medications
You should discuss the use of prescription pain medications and fill your prescription prior to your surgery. Generally, you will go home with a nerve block still in effect and be without much, if any, pain. Per your physician's instructions, you should begin taking your pain medication once you arrive home. You will likely experience less pain if you do not wait until you are already in pain to take your medication.
Cold Therapy
The use of cold therapy during the first 48 hours after surgery can be very helpful in controlling pain and swelling. You may use ice or reusable gel packs. Always place a layer of paper towels or a washcloth between the ice and your shoulder. This will keep your incision dry and prevent frostbite to the skin. The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma recommends that you should not ice for more than 20 minutes at a time and allow the shoulder to warm up in between ice sessions.
Sleeping Tips
A good night's sleep is an important piece of the healing process. Many times after shoulder surgery, finding a comfortable sleeping position is extremely difficult. Many people find sleeping sitting upright in a recliner to be comfortable. You may also find that sitting upright in bed, propped up with pillows, to be a comfortable alternative. Generally, try to keep your shoulder elevated slightly higher than your heart, to help keep postoperative swelling to a minimum.
Exercises
It is important that you follow through with your physician's instructions regarding exercises. This will ultimately decrease your recovery time.
Several times per day, remove your sling and slowly bend and straighten your elbow. You may do this lying down to prevent any extra strain on the shoulder.
The Pendulum Exercise is performed by bending at the waist and gently allowing your arm to swing in relaxed circles. Let the circles rotate clockwise and then counterclockwise.
Normally you will start formal physical therapy shortly after your surgery, and the therapist will provide you with a more in-depth home exercise program.
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