Why is shoulder surgery so painful?
Why is shoulder surgery so painful?
The other major reason patients have pain after rotator cuff surgery is due to stiffness of that shoulder. It is common after rotator cuff surgery to have some stiffness due to the fact that the operation caused the arm to be held without motion for some time.
What can you not do after shoulder surgery?
You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks after surgery. You should not reach behind your back with the operative arm. You may remove your arm from the sling to bend and straighten your elbow and to move your fingers several times a day.
What is the average recovery time for shoulder surgery?
Recovery can take 4 to 6 months, depending on the size of the tear and other factors. You may have to wear a sling for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. Pain is usually managed with medicines. Physical therapy can help you regain the motion and strength of your shoulder.
Can I legally drive with a sling?
Yes and no, as there are no specific laws around driving with a broken arm or wrist, but you could get pulled over if your driving is affected by your injury. … Additionally, if your doctor gives you advice not to drive while you have a broken limb, then you cannot legally get behind the wheel.
How do I dry my hair after shoulder surgery?
Ladies, accept that it will be a long time before you can lift your surgical arm high enough to shave under it. To blow dry your hair, rig the dryer to a high towel rack so it is pointing down. You can use your brush with Page 11 9 your nonsurgical hand as you position yourself under the dryer.
What should you not do before shoulder surgery?
Prepare your household so you can do activities of daily living with the arm and hand on the non- surgery side. DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery. Bring a large shirt that buttons up the front to wear home so you won't have to pull a shirt over your head.
Why can’t you take ibuprofen after shoulder surgery?
DO NOT take any NSAIDS (anti-inflammatory medications) such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and/or Celebrex for 6 weeks after your surgery. These drugs slow bone growth and this may lead to poor healing. If you were taking aspirin before your surgery for cardiac reasons, it is OK to resume this.
How soon can you move your shoulder after rotator cuff surgery?
You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks after surgery. You should not reach behind your back with the operative arm. You may remove your arm from the sling to bend and straighten your elbow and to move your fingers several times a day.
How long does pain last after shoulder surgery?
Pain will vary from person to person and depend on the extent of the repair to the shoulder. The frequent application of cold packs to the area will help to reduce the swelling and the pain. The first phase of recovery can potentially last up to 6 weeks after the surgery.
How can I speed up recovery after shoulder surgery?
The other major reason patients have pain after rotator cuff surgery is due to stiffness of that shoulder. It is common after rotator cuff surgery to have some stiffness due to the fact that the operation caused the arm to be held without motion for some time.
Do and don’ts after rotator cuff surgery?
Keep comfortable. Rest is key to recuperation, so try to stay as comfortable as possible. Use an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a light cloth) to help reduce inflammation during the first three to five days after surgery. After that period, heat can provide some relief for pain and stiffness.
How long will I be off work after rotator cuff surgery?
This is about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery. Remove the sling and keep your arm at your side while you shower. Most people who work at desk jobs can return to work in 2 to 3 weeks. If you lift, push, or pull at work, you will probably need 3 to 4 months to recover.
Can I use my hand after rotator cuff surgery?
You may use your wrist, hand, and elbow for daily activities. This includes eating, shaving, dressing, as long as you do not move your operated arm away from your body and it does not increase your pain. Do not use your arm to push up/off the bed or chair for six weeks after your surgery.
Can I take my sling off to sleep?
It is important you wear your sling in bed for the recommended period, unless you are instructed otherwise. We recommend you sleep on your back or unaffected side. When lying on your back we suggest you use a pillow underneath your injured arm for support.
How long should you sleep in a recliner after shoulder surgery?
If you can, sleep in a recliner, or reclined position up to a couple weeks after your surgery. If you don't have a recliner, you can use pillows on the couch or in bed. You can even purchase a 45 degree wedge online or at your nearest medical supply store.
Is rotator cuff surgery considered major surgery?
It is well known that rotator cuff surgery is a major operation where the rotator cuff tendons (Figure 1) are sewn back to the upper arm bone (humerus) (Figures 2 and 3). The other major reason patients have pain after rotator cuff surgery is due to stiffness of that shoulder.
How bad is the pain after rotator cuff surgery?
It is common after rotator cuff surgery to have some stiffness due to the fact that the operation caused the arm to be held without motion for some time. … As a result, it is normal to expect some continued symptoms of pain or soreness after rotator cuff surgery for several months.
Why do you have to sleep in a recliner after shoulder surgery?
Following surgery, many people need to wear a post-operative sling to keep their shoulder in place and safe while it is healing. … In many cases, the best way to sleep after shoulder surgery is in a recliner. The recliner allows you to lie down and rest without giving you the freedom to turn over.
What happens at 12 weeks after rotator cuff surgery?
For the first 6-8 weeks after surgery, your surgeon will ask you to wear a sling to protect the repaired tendons. The next phase of recovery, from 8-12 weeks after the surgery, is focused on getting the shoulder to move normally again, while still not doing any lifting that could pull apart the repair.
How long does it take to get full range of motion after shoulder surgery?
It takes 1 year to fully regain external rotation after small and medium tears, whereas mild residual stiffness remains after large tears. Full forward elevation is restored by 3 months for small tears vs 6 months for medium and large tears.
What happens if you don’t wear a sling?
Not wearing a sling can speed up a patient's return to mobility after rotator cuff injury. … Rotator cuff tears become more common in patients over 40 years of age, and most patients who undergo surgery are between 45 and 65.
Can I sleep on my side after shoulder surgery?
Sleep on your uninjured side: When trying this position, stack a couple of pillows behind you to prevent you from rolling over in the night. You could also prop up your arm on a stack of pillows in front of you while lying on your side. Make sure to use soft pillows so your arm will sink in and not roll off.
How long before I can drive after rotator cuff surgery?
In general, you'll want to avoid driving a car for at least six to 12 weeks, or until your doctor has indicated you no longer need to wear a sling. Driving with one arm is unsafe, and the shoulder that underwent surgery shouldn't be moved too far away from the body.
Can you wear a bra after rotator cuff surgery?
After surgery for repair of a rotator cuff you will be wearing an arm sling. Because of your limited range of motion for awhile there are specific items of clothing that will help you to dress with little or no assistance. For women our front closure bra used by women with arthritis will be of help.
How long should you take pain meds after shoulder surgery?
It is important to begin taking your pain medication before this medicine wears off. This is usually about 6 to 8 hours after the procedure. However, it may be as little as 2 hours or (if you're lucky) it could be 12 to 16 hours. It is important to stay on top of the pain as it is more difficult to catch up.