What to Expect After Shoulder Surgery

If you have been recently diagnosed with a shoulder injury, whether it is a tear, ligament pull or bruising, you may want to contact a shoulder surgeon Brisbane specialist. It is important to get advice on the best course of action for treatment to avoid complications that could further injure your arm or lead to total loss. If you are concerned about a torn rotator cuff or a dislocated shoulder, you should see your doctor immediately to start the process of treatment.

When you have a shoulder injury, it is important to take immediate action to stop the injury from worsening. A rotator cuff involves four muscles working together to attach the humerus to the shoulder blade. When the area is injured, the body has a tendency to shift the arm in a circular motion that can cause shoulder pain. An injury to any one of the rotator cuff muscles is the most common cause of shoulder pain. In most cases, treatment begins with rest and conservative care until the muscles can heal.

The rotator cuff starts in the front of the shoulder and goes through the shoulder socket and down into the scapula. A tear is the most common cause for symptoms of a torn rotator cuff. Tearing can be partial or complete. A qualified shoulder surgeon will know when a shoulder tear is present and how to treat it to limit complications and maximize your chances of full recovery.

Some people think shoulder surgery Brisbane will involve major surgery involving an incision into the shoulder joint. This is far from the truth as there are many non-surgical treatments available. After surgery, you will have a cast placed around the shoulder to immobilize it. You will also need strong medications to control your symptoms so you do not end up with chronic shoulder pain.

After surgery, you will need six weeks to a year to rehabilitate your shoulder. Depending on the severity of your shoulder tear, your surgeon may place a removable cast on your arm to support it while it heals. The cast can come off after a few months but it is wise to have it on throughout the healing process to prevent the formation of a weak spot and help your arm heal faster.

In the first weeks after surgery, you may feel discomfort and weakness in your shoulder area. You may be prescribed medications to alleviate these symptoms. Most shoulder surgery Brisbane surgeons recommend these medications but it is always best to consult with your surgeon before taking any over the counter or prescription medications. He or she will be able to advise you of the proper dosage and frequency of your medication.

Your surgeon will probably recommend physical therapy after shoulder surgery Brisbane to help strengthen your arm and shoulder. Therapy sessions can involve strength training to help rebuild your torn ligaments and muscles. It is important to start out with small exercises until you can get comfortable with the level of pain and inflammation that you are feeling. As you progress through the program, you can try more difficult exercises to help build up your strength and prepare for a full shoulder rehabilitation. Again, it is important to discuss this treatment with your shoulder surgery Brisbane surgeon to ensure that you are doing everything you should to protect your healing.

After shoulder surgery Brisbane, you may experience some swelling and pain as well as a loss of strength in your arm. However, these are all temporary effects. You will probably be in an exercise program for a period of time following your surgery. Swelling and pain are common post-surgical side effects. You will also be instructed to keep your arm immobile to minimize the chance of your tendons becoming stiff.