Shoulder Surgery Rehab: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Are you scheduled for shoulder surgery? You probably already know shoulder surgery rehab is essential for achieving the best possible outcomes. What you may not know is what’s involved with the rehabilitation process.
Never fear! The team at Balance in Motion Physical Therapy is here to answer your questions. We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to explain what you can expect from your physical therapist sessions after your procedure. Our PTs have already provided a list of tips to help you start preparing now.
Read on to learn more about shoulder surgery rehab–or call us for more personalized guidance!
What to Expect from Shoulder Surgery Rehab
Recovering from shoulder surgery involves a well-structured, multi-step rehabilitation program focused on helping you gradually restore mobility, strength, and function. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
1. Initial Recovery
The first step of shoulder surgery rehab focuses on healing and protecting the surgical site. Our physical therapists will help with early mobilization of your shoulder to prevent stiffness and help manage pain. These movements will be gentle and carefully monitored.
You might be required to wear a sling to keep your shoulder stable. We’ll ensure you’re using it correctly and show you appropriate activities for your needs.
2. Regaining Mobility
After a few weeks, you’ll be ready to begin working to improve your mobility. We’ll show you targeted stretches, activations, and other exercises that will improve your range of motion and help prevent the formation of scar tissue, which can cause long-term complications.
3. Building Stability and Strength
Once your shoulder gains adequate mobility, the next step in shoulder surgery rehab is to build strength and stability. This phase prepares your shoulder for everyday activities and helps prevent future injuries.
We’ll begin with strength-training exercises that target the muscles surrounding the shoulder to improve stability and support. Your physical therapist will monitor your progress and adjust your program to optimize results.
4. Restoring Function
Finally, we’ll incorporate exercises that mimic daily activities, such as reaching and lifting, to ensure you’re prepared to return to your day-to-day routine. We’ll provide you with a return-to-activity schedule that includes movement modifications and a general timeline for returning to more vigorous activities, like sports.
Preparing for a Successful Shoulder Surgery Rehab
We know surgery (and the rehabilitation process) can be intimidating, but you can take some simple steps before your procedure to help prepare. Here are some of our PT’s favorite tips:
1. Get Your Home Set Up
- Set up an area at home where you can rest comfortably and perform your HEP (home exercise program).
2. Plan for Assistance
- Arrange for a friend or family member to assist you during the initial recovery period when your shoulder mobility is limited.
3. Schedule a Pre-Op Appointment with Your PT
- Your rehabilitation program isn’t a secret! We encourage you to schedule an appointment to talk with us about your shoulder surgery rehab program before your procedure. We’ll ensure you understand the recovery phases and let you know what exercises to expect.
4. Stay Active Before Surgery
- This article is all about rehab–but don’t skip “pre-hab,” either! We can suggest pre-surgery exercises that can help strengthen the muscles around your shoulder and improve your overall fitness, which can help improve your surgical outcomes.
Take the First Step Toward a Successful Recovery
Rehabilitating after shoulder surgery requires commitment and patience, but with the right preparation and support, you can achieve a full recovery. By understanding what to expect and how to prepare, you’ll set yourself up for success.
If you’re scheduled for shoulder surgery and want to learn more about rehabilitation, schedule an appointment at Balance in Motion Physical Therapy’s New York, NY clinic today!