Find Effective Relief After Undergoing Shoulder Replacement Surgery!
Total shoulder arthroplasty, or TSA is commonly referred to as total shoulder replacement. As the name suggests, this is a surgical procedure where either part or the entire shoulder joint is replaced. Many people undertake this procedure to relieve chronic pain in the shoulder joint, particularly those suffering from arthritis of the shoulder. Nearly 53,000 Americans undergo total shoulder replacement each year, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. If you have undergone a total shoulder replacement, or if you have a planned surgical procedure, contact our physical therapy team today at Progressive Medical Fitness to find out how we can help relieve your pain and speed up your recovery.
If you recently underwent total shoulder replacement surgery, or you are considering it as a treatment option, contact our team of certified physical therapists at Progressive Medical Fitness today. We will develop a personalized treatment plan to ensure that your recovery is as quick, easy, and pain-free as possible.
Physical therapy improves recovery
Engaging in both pre-surgical and post-surgical physical therapy treatments ensures the best surgical outcome following your procedure.
A good level of physical condition is an important factor in the ease of your recovery. Pre-surgical physical therapy treatments will strengthen your shoulders and upper-back to keep your shoulder function from further decline prior to your operation. You will work with a certified physical therapist to keep your shoulder functioning as optimally as possible before your surgery. This, in turn, will make both the procedure and the recovery period proceed much more smoothly.
Physical therapy treatments are an important part of your post-surgical recovery plan. You will feel more prepared in your recovery through your engagement in pre-surgical treatments .
A certified physical therapist will guide you through your recovery with many considerations such as: precautions you should take as your shoulder heals, wearing an adaptive device, such as a sling or brace, to help you heal safely, or limiting activities. It is normal to spend a few days in the hospital after surgery and wear a sling for between 2 – 6 weeks as your shoulder heals.
It is important to be guided by a physical therapist in the days following your surgery to prevent harm to the reconstructed shoulder. Rehabilitation treatments begin shortly after your procedure, often while you are still in the hospital. You will work with a physical or occupational therapist to learn how to perform simple tasks, such as brushing your teeth, getting dressed, getting in and out of bed, and the proper use of your sling. You will also learn how to reduce pain and swelling on your own, at home, such as how to properly elevate your arm and where to apply ice packs.
After being discharged, it is crucial to adhere to your physical therapy treatment plan. The physical therapy treatments will intensify until you fully regain shoulder function. Your physical therapist will guide you through a program of exercises. This exercise program seeks to promote healing, relieve pain, achieve optimal function, and reduce the risk of future damage. Your personalized treatment plan will include some or all of the following:
- Functional training
- Stretching
- Strengthening exercises
- Range-of-motion exercises
- Job/sport-specific training
Next steps on the road to recovery
If you recently underwent total shoulder replacement surgery, or you are considering it as a treatment option, contact our team of certified physical therapists at Progressive Medical Fitness today. We will develop a personalized treatment plan to ensure that your recovery is as quick, easy, and pain-free as possible.
A member of our highly trained physical therapy team will work closely with you and your primary physician through every stage of the process to address your specific condition and needs. Don’t suffer through an unnecessarily lengthy recovery period – contact Progressive Medical Fitness to guide you on your road to recovery and a pain-free life!