Shoulder replacement surgery has various benefits and can treat many different diseases and conditions. However, treatment doesn’t necessarily stop once the operation is over. After getting your new joint, you’ll enter the recovery phase that will almost certainly include physical therapy.
Read on to find out why you’ll need physical therapy after a shoulder replacement and what to expect.
Why Have Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement surgery is a medical procedure your orthopedic doctor will recommend for various reasons. One reason is due to the development and advancement of a degenerative condition like arthritis. Alternatively, you may need one due to physical trauma or damage. Some orthopedic problems that a shoulder replacement can treat include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Physical injuries (such as due to impacts during sports or accidents)
- Osteonecrosis
What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
Shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged parts of a shoulder joint with artificial components known as prostheses to eliminate the source of pain and dysfunction.
There are three types of shoulder replacement:
- Total Shoulder Replacement
Your orthopedic surgeon will implant a completely new artificial joint in a total shoulder replacement.
- Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
If your rotator cuff is torn and unsalvageable, your orthopedic surgeon may employ a reverse replacement. The socket part of the joint will be part of your arm, while the ball part will be attached to your shoulder blade. There are no significant problems with either reverse or total replacements.
- Partial Shoulder Replacement
If only part of the shoulder joint is damaged, you may elect to replace only a portion of the joint.
Why Have Physical Therapy After Shoulder Replacement?
Shoulder replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment option for patients with shoulder problems. However, treatment plans will typically include physical therapy after a successful operation.
Physical therapy has multiple benefits for joint replacement patients, including:
- Pain relief
- Improved strength
- Increased range of motion
- Faster recovery
The exercises in physical therapy help ensure that your joint heals correctly. In addition, physical therapy can help reduce stiffness, pain, and other symptoms.
What To Expect From Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation and physical therapy are essential for recovery after a shoulder replacement. Physical therapy includes a variety of modalities. The kind of therapy you receive will depend on your specific needs and the diagnosis of your orthopedic doctor.
Physical therapy will typically begin almost immediately after shoulder replacement surgery. You might not be able to move your arm on your own immediately after the operation, so your physical therapist may recommend and begin with manual therapy.
You can expect one to two physical therapy sessions per day while in a hospital. Furthermore, an occupational therapist and a nurse discharge planner will assist you in preparing for your return home, including scheduling physical therapy sessions. Once you have returned home, it’s critical to perform your therapy as instructed by your doctor. You will see a physical therapist regularly for several weeks until fully healed.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a modality where your therapist manipulates, massages, or moves your tissues. These actions help improve circulation and prevent stiffness. They also help ensure muscle function later on.
Manual therapy is sometimes mistaken for massage. Although massage may be part of the treatment, manual therapy uses medically and scientifically approved methods as part of its regimen.
Physical Exercises
Once you can move on your own, your orthopedic surgeon or a physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to regain complete arm and shoulder movement.
They will be challenging to perform at first. As with any exercise, it will become easier as long as you exercise consistently. Your physical therapist may assist you in doing these exercises until you have built up the necessary strength and endurance to do them yourself. The kinds of movements you will perform will depend on your doctor. However, you can expect to rotate, lift, and move your arm and shoulder in various ways.
Some physical exercises you can expect to do include:
- Shoulder pulley
- Pendulum exercises
- Isometric exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Stretches
Kinesio® Taping
Kinesio® tape is a therapy method that uses an elastic adhesive tape to provide patients a variety of benefits, such as:
- Promote healing
- Support the body’s natural structures
- Increase the benefits of manual therapy
Orthopedic Care and Physical Therapy at Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Physical therapy post-surgery is essential to prevent and reduce various post-operative problems. The exercises and treatment modalities in physical therapy can mitigate pain and stiffness. At the same time, they also help patients recover and improve their strength, mobility, and healing.
If you are looking for a clinic that can help you with your shoulder concerns, visit Total Orthopaedic Care. Our physical therapist doctors concentrate on the functional goals that are most important to you and ensure you get back to your daily routine in no time!
Please contact our office at (954) 735-3535 if you have any questions about our orthopedic services. Alternatively, use our secure online appointment request form to make an appointment.
