Nov
10
Rotator Cuff Surgery Recovery and What You Need to Know
November 10, 2009 | Leave a Comment
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.
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
You will go through four areas of recovery, passive motion, active motion, strength and full activity and there will be varying exercises depending on which phase you are currently in. A physical therapist will be on hand to discuss and instruct you on the proper exercises during each phase. Your exercises will fall into one of three groups, beginner, advanced and strength.
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.
Second, advanced exercises are performed 6-8 weeks after the operation. You are now asked to let your shoulders perform its full range of motion with exercises that must be done 10-15 times daily. Your physical therapist will outline advanced exercises like internal rotation and cross-body adduction.
Third, strengthening exercises aim to restore strength to your otherwise weakened muscles. This way, you can indeed go back to your daily activities even in sports.
Weight lifting will be required at this stage of recovery but you have to remember not to overdo it. Since not stressing the shoulder muscles is so important, your physical therapist should outline a personal training regimen. This regimen will include internal, external and 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 has spent years helping sufferers of carpal tunnel syndrome. You can click here to find out more regardingrotator cuff surgery recovery.
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