Post-op care is one of the most vital and significant aspects that speed up recovery time and help manage pain symptoms. Here are some shoulder surgery aftercare tips to follow in order to ensure appropriate healing and pain management.
Wound Dressing
After surgery, wounds are often covered with gauze. This gauze should be left in place for at least 24 hours, after which the dressing must be removed. The wound should be covered with adhesive bandages without removing the paper strips over any open cuts or incisions. Since there’s a large amount of fluid, bloody drainage is normal — if this occurs even after ice application, visit your doctor. Keep the wounds dry for 48 hours, and do not submerge in water for at least 3 weeks after surgery.
Sling
After surgery, your doctor will place your shoulder on a sling. The sling is meant to limit your range of motion so that the rotator cuff tendon can incorporate and heal properly. In certain cases, a pillow may be attached around your waist. Typically removed 4–6 weeks after surgery, slings protect you from causing more damage to your shoulder. Remove your sling only when bathing, dressing, and performing physical therapy. Don’t do any sort of lifting, pushing, pulling or reaching for the first month after surgery.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
As mentioned before, avoid any lifting or reaching. You may use your arm to assist with eating dressing, and bathing, but try not to use it too much. Remove the sling and stretch your arm out; move your wrists, hands, and elbows to decrease swelling. Post-op range of motion exercises such as elbow flexion, wrist and shoulder stretching is also recommended. Make sure you’re not overdoing the exercises, and if a shooting pain occurs, stop immediately, otherwise, it’ll worsen pain symptoms. Passive range of motion exercises are also encouraged and help speed up the recovery process.
Ice Therapy
Ice pack machines have a sleeve that’s attached to an ice cooler. Ice and water are placed in the cooler and is plugged into an outlet, which allows the circulation of cold water through the shoulder sleeve. This helps with pain management and swelling. Ice two to three times every day for the first week, especially before sleeping. Keep ice on your shoulder for the first two to three days after surgery, and place a thin fabric or towel between your sleeve in order to avoid damage to the skin. If you don’t purchase an ice cooler, use ice bags or vegetable bags as a replacement.
If you’re looking for a trustworthy clinic, we recommend ARTROPLASTIAS. They offer advanced orthopedic surgeries with a team of experienced oncologists who are dedicated to their patients’ wellbeing. Their oncologists offer diagnosis, therapy and shoulder surgery, along with arthroscopy, treatment for arthrosis, and other surgeries.
Contact them at (11) 99452-6862 for more info.
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