Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery and What You Need to Keep in Mind
It must be emphasized that rotator cuff surgery recovery is both a science and an art. Your physical therapist and physician will provide the science behind the exercises and applications while you provide the art of knowing your body. Of course, your family members who provide support in your daily activities, which cannot be performed due to the surgery, form a significant part of the art/science combo. Working together as a team, you can indeed speed up your recovery.
Right after Surgery
The length of time you must stay in the hospital will depend on the type of surgery you have. For instance if you have an arthroscopic surgery you can be back home sometime the same day, however if you have open surgery you had better pack at least an overnight bag as you will be spending one to two days as an inpatient.
Regardless of the type of surgery, however, you will be required to wear a protective sling. This will aid in faster rotator cuff surgery recovery precisely because it will keep the arm and shoulder muscles as relaxed as possible. Keep in mind, however, that your physical therapist will help you perform passive exercises almost as soon as you get out of the hospital. This will ensure that your muscles do not atrophy and form debilitating scars.
Recovery Period Exercises
During the four phases of recovery – passive motion, active motion, strengthening and full activity – you will be required to exercise your shoulders although in varying ways. Your physical therapist should be able to provide detailed assistance and instructions for exercises during all four phases. These exercises can be categorized into three – beginning, advanced and strengthening.
Beginning exercises can be accomplished both with and without the assistance of a physical therapist. Normally you will alternate between several exercises such as forward elevation, grip exercises, external rotation, and elbow flexion just to name a few. Discuss with your therapist about whether or not you are allowed to perform these exercises in an active and passive manner. If you do active exercise before you are ready, you will expose your shoulder to stress too soon and severely affect your rotator cuff surgery recovery.
Advanced exercises will be performed around 6-8 weeks after your surgery. These exercises will encourage you to use a full range of motion and should be repeated about 10-15 times daily. Your therapist will set these exercises up and instruct you thoroughly on the correct way to perform exercises such as internal rotation and cross body adductions.
The last exercise phase is the strengthening exercises. Muscles become weakened after the surgery and long recovery period. In a short amount of time, however you can be back to your normal routine even playing sports.
During the strength training phase you will be required to life weights however you should remember not to stress the should muscles. In fact, your physical therapist should plan out a personal training program that includes internal and external rotations in addition to pressing exercises.
In any of these exercises, you must immediately consult with your doctor when your wound starts to exhibit signs of redness, uncommon warmth and oozing fluid or when you develop a fever or when your pain becomes intolerable. Any of these factors will affect how fast and how well you tread the path of rotator cuff surgery recovery.
Tom Nicholson spends his time helping sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. You can follow this link to learn more regardingrotator cuff surgery recovery.
