There are two important parts to any rotator cuff surgery recovery. You need science, art, the medical professionals involved will provide the science, and you provide the art. Your physical therapist and surgeon have the science in their fingertips while you must have the art of knowing your body. There is of course also a support aspect to the entire process and that is the support of family or friends who will help you during recovery. It will take everyone working as a team to speed you to a healthy 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.
You will be required to wear a protective sling no matter which surgery you opt for. A sling keeps the arm and should more relaxed and will aid in a faster rotator cuff surgery recovery. Your physical therapist will however help you with passive exercises as soon as you are released from the hospital. These stretching and strengthening exercises will keep your muscles soft and pliable preventing atrophy or scarring.
Exercises during Recovery Period
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.
The first level exercises can be done with or without your physical therapist. Once you have been shown, the proper way to do the beginning exercises you will be able to do them at home unassisted. These exercises will generally be things like elbow flexion, forward rotation, grip exercises and extensions among others. Talk with your therapist about when you can transition from passive to active exercises. Moving too quickly into active motion will stress your shoulder and slow down 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.
Finally, it will be time to strengthen your shoulder through exercise. It is common to lose some strength in your muscles after a surgery like this, however with strengthening exercises you should go back to your regular activities up to and including 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.
During your rotator cuff surgery recovery period and exercises, you should contact your doctor immediately if your wound exhibits any of the following; oozing fluid, unnatural warmth, you develop fever or if pain becomes intense. Any of these can be a sign that things are not going well.
Tom Nicholson spends his time caring for sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. You can follow this link to find out more aboutrotator cuff surgery recovery.
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