Recovery from shoulder surgery begins right after the surgery. It is a critical phase that you have to go through, and the last thing you want is to delay your recovery. With the right care and preparation, you can have a quick recovery to get back to living your life fully as soon as possible.
In this article, we give you tips for a quick recovery from shoulder surgery.
Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions
After shoulder surgery, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully in order to ensure that you heal properly and quickly. This includes taking medications as prescribed, attending physical therapy sessions regularly, and avoiding activities that could cause further injury or delay healing. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions regarding incision care, diet, exercise, and medication – be sure to ask questions if you have any.
Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is essential for a quick recovery from shoulder surgery. Smoking can significantly increase the risk of complications during and after surgery, including infection, delayed healing, poor wound closure, and increased pain. The nicotine in cigarettes can also reduce blood flow to the surgical site, which can lead to slower healing times.
Get Adequate Rest
It is important to rest after shoulder surgery in order for the body to heal completely. Make sure that you get plenty of sleep each night (at least eight hours), so your body has time to recover from the trauma of the operation. Rest also means avoiding strenuous activities, lifting heavy objects, or playing sports. Make sure to get clearance from your doctor before engaging in any activity.
Eat Healthily
Eating healthy foods with plenty of protein will give you energy while helping promote healing in your shoulder after surgery. Try eating lean meats like chicken breast or fish, as well as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts/seeds, and legumes, which provide important vitamins and minerals needed for proper wound healing and tissue repair.
Stay Hydrated Throughout Your Recovery
Staying hydrated is essential for recovering from any kind of surgical procedure, because water helps thin the blood and eases the flow of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, including your shoulder. Normal blood flow aids in faster healing times. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, so your body has what it needs for proper functioning during this period of recovery.
Do Your Physical Therapist-Approved Exercises
While resting is necessary after shoulder surgery, exercise is essential and actually helps speed up recovery time – if done correctly. Shoulder surgery patients will have a physical therapy program that is individualized to them. These exercises usually consist of light exercises and other low-impact activities, which are all great ways to increase blood flow and promote faster healing. Make sure to do the exercises correctly, under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist.
Use Cold Therapy
Applying a cold pack to the surgical area helps reduce swelling, while also providing relief from pain. If your doctor approves, apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the area at 20 minutes intervals several times a day.
Following these steps should help promote a quicker recovery following shoulder surgery.
Orthopedic Shoulder Surgeon in Baltimore, MD
The orthopedic surgeons, physiatrists, and podiatrists at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland work together to bring you the highest quality and most comprehensive care for your shoulder. There is no need to go to another facility for imaging scans, treatment, physical therapy, or rehabilitation services when we can offer everything to you at our clinics.
We are committed to providing you with the best patient experience in Maryland. To schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedists, use our convenient online request form or call (410) 644-1880.
