Shoulder surgery can be a painful event. Surgery requires cutting and digging into the muscles, tendons, tissues and ligaments of your shoulder, which can leave you with postoperative pain. As part of your recovery, your doctor may provide you with a prescription for physical therapy. A physical therapist will work with you to help block postoperative pain and maximize the outcome of your procedure -- including developing strength and increasing your range of motion. Rehabilitation may cause some discomfort, but should not be extremely painful.
Step 1
Talk to your doctor. When you are at your follow-up appointment after surgery, be honest about your pain level. Your pain levels may vary depending on the type of procedure you had completed -- arthroscopic surgery is likely to cause you less pain than open shoulder surgery. Your doctor will prescribe physical therapy based on how you are feeling.
Step 2
Attend your first physical therapy appointment. The goal of your first appointment is to encourage you to discontinue use of your sling and to teach you how to perform daily tasks with caution. Learning how to perform tasks in an appropriate manner can help you to avoid postoperative pain.
Step 3
Complete beginner exercises. Following surgery, a physical therapist will provide you with small exercises to complete. These exercises help to reduce swelling, stiffness and pain. You may be asked to grip a rubber ball -- or stress ball -- as hard as possible to keep reduce swelling.
Step 4
Undergo a variety of physical therapy treatments. A physical therapist may use ultrasounds, heat therapy, cold therapy and massage to help relax your muscles and block pain.
Step 5
Complete strength and range of motion exercises. A therapist will instruct you on exercises that focus on your ability to make circles with your arms, reach up and move your arm out at your side. These exercises will reduce stiffness and pain while increasing your strength, flexibility and the overall function of your arm. Completing your exercises as instructed will help to keep your recovery on schedule.
Tips and Warnings
- Use ice. Apply ice to your affected shoulder for 20 minutes at a time, three to four times per day. Ice can help reduce any post-therapy swelling and control your pain.
