What to Expect When Recovering From Rotator Cuff
Although most rotator cuff injuries can be remedied with non-surgical options, your doctor may recommend rotator cuff surgery to repair the tears present in the shoulder. Of course, the type of surgery will depend on many factors. No matter the surgery performed, however, the phases of rotator cuff surgery recovery will be similar.
Day of the Surgery
In most cases, you need not stay overnight in the hospital since this is an outpatient procedure. However, you will have to stay in the hospital until such time that shoulder pain is managed through home medications. Your arm will also be encased in a specialized protective sling. This way, your shoulder and arm muscles will be in a relaxed position, hence, facilitating the healing process.
Here are some tips to follow that will speed up your rotator cuff surgery recovery right after the operation, which are imperative in the later stages, include:
-Ease your pain by taking your pain medications as soon as you feel pain in your shoulder.
* Try different combinations of pain and anti-inflammation medicines under the guidance of your doctor.
* Place an ice bag over your shoulder so as to lessen the pain and speed up healing.
-When going to sleep, sleep in a semi-seated position with your elbows facing down.
Stages of Recovery
It must be emphasized that the phases of rotator cuff surgery recovery will vary from one person to the next in terms of the time taken to progress from one phase to another. As such, it is best to comply with your personalized rehabilitation protocol.
During the first phase of recovery, which can last for up to 6 weeks, you will be directed to perform passive motions only. Basically, this means the avoidance of any kind of work and/or stress on the rotator cuff tendons and muscles. In this case, your physical therapist will perform two things. First, he will move your repaired shoulder for you and, second, he will provide instructions on how to move your shoulders with the least possible muscle contractions.
The second stage of your recovery involves you moving your arm on your own however; you should not be moving it against any resistance at all. This is what is known as the active motion stage that can go on up to 12 weeks from the time of your operation.
The third part of your recovery is the strengthening period, where you will do a series of isolation exercises that will give strength to muscles that have been made weak because of inactivity. This is the most imperative part in rotator cuff surgery recovery because you can regain full muscle function if your do this step well.
During the fourth phase, you can now return to full activity for your shoulders. Of course, many factors affect this phase that can last up to 6 months after surgery and you will still have to consult with your doctor about returning to your old physical activities especially where your shoulder is concerned.
In conclusion, your commitment to rehabilitation, the size and location of the rotator cuff tear and physical condition will determine how well and how fast you can go through rotator cuff surgery recovery.
Tom Nicholson spends his time caring for carpal tunnel sufferers. Please click here to learn more aboutrotator cuff surgery recovery.
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