If you just had a shoulder replacement it will take time to get back to normal again. While you are going through your recovery period it can be helpful to gain as much information as you can. To get you started, below are two tips on what you can expect during recovery.
Physical Therapy
One of the most important things to do is to have physical therapy. In most cases, this will start in the hospital not long after you have surgery. One exercise the physical therapist may ask you to do is to lean over and rest your hand on the good shoulder side on a table. You will then loosely let your other arm swing as you are leaned over. The therapist will ask you to very slowly swing your arm in a circular motion.
When you are released from the hospital you will be told by your doctor that you need to have physical therapy. This will help you gain your range of motion back. If you do not go to physical therapy your shoulder could freeze and you would not be able to move it at all. In some cases, this would result in more surgery.
The physical therapist will do stretches on your shoulder to help loosen it up. They will start out very slowly and move their way up. You will also be given a variety of exercises that you will do while you are in their office, as well as while you are at home. You will be sore after physical therapy, but this will only last a day or two.
Make Plans at Home
When you first come home you will not be able to raise your arm very high. Because of this place everything that you will need where you can easily reach them. This is especially true if you live at home alone. Consider your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and other personal care products. You may have glasses and plates on a high cabinet.
Your clothing is also something to consider. Choose pull-on pants or shorts that you do not have to button or zip, You will find it especially difficult to put on shirts in the beginning stages of your recovery period. Your arm will also be in a sling for a few weeks. Button-down shirts work well as they are easier to put on as long as you have someone to help you button them. If you do not, purchase oversized shirts and tops to make them easier to put on.
Following these tips, as well as your doctor's instructions, will help you get back to normal much faster.
To learn more information, reach out to a physical therapist near you
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