From waving hello and tossing a baseball to lifting heavy times, your shoulders allow you to perform a wide range of tasks. Occasionally, though, repetitive movement or a sudden injury may damage the shoulder’s tendons and muscles, leading to a rotator cuff tear. In numerous instances, a torn rotator cuff responds well to at-home treatment, but once pain continues over a lengthy period, you should consult a specialist. Fair Lawn rotator cuff repair is generally successful, but as with other surgeries, the procedure requires recovery time. Nonetheless, these 8 tips can ensure that the recovery is as smooth as possible.
- Wear A Sling
For quick recovery, it is crucial to keep the shoulder immobilized right after surgery to allow the tendon to heal. A sling offers support and stability and is a great reminder not to move your arm entirely. Stick to wiggling your fingers and rotating your wrist.
- Sleep Carefully
After rotator cuff repair, sleeping in a slightly upright position is frequently the most comfortable. This posture helps avoid the added pressure to the shoulder that may come about if you lie flat. Utilize pillows to give you a slight incline, or put something beneath the mattress to raise it a bit. Some individuals find sleeping in a wide armchair or recliner a good alternative.
- Look Out For Complications
Complications are uncommon, but it is vital to understand the warning signs. Consult your specialist if you experience a fever, discharge, or redness from the cut, severe or sudden pain, or tingling or numbness in your hand or fingers.
- Request Assistance
Accept requests for help from friends and family. In the first few days of recovery, you might need assistance with activities like cooking, dressing, showering, and other routine tasks. Besides, plan for rides as your driving is limited.
- Stay Comfortable
Rest is crucial to recovery. Thus, try to remain as comfortable as feasible. Utilize an ice pack to help alleviate swelling during the first few days following surgery. After this period, heat therapy can offer some relief for stiffness and pain. Moreover, take your medications as directed. Anti-inflammatory drugs also help you successfully perform your physical therapy exercises.
- Engage In Physical Therapy
Physical therapy helps improve the shoulder’s stability, mobility, and strength. Therefore, attending physical therapy sessions as a component of your quick rehabilitation plan and performing at-home exercises is vital for successful recovery.
- Be Careful with Your Movements
Although some movements, especially with the fingers and wrist, are safe to execute during recuperation, avoid placing stress on the shoulder as it may delay recovery. Examples of movements to avoid include raising the arm out to the side or overhead, placing weight on the shoulder, and reaching behind you. Donning a sling could help discourage you from involuntarily making such movements.
- Pace Yourself
It is easy to assume that your shoulder is feeling okay, and then begin doing too much very soon. However, you should not! Anything from challenging yourself with more strenuous exercises to resuming sporting activities without your specialist’s approval raises the likelihood of re-injury to the shoulder.
If you are experiencing shoulder discomfort that does not heal or other conservative procedures have not helped, it may be time to consider rotator cuff repair surgery. Most patients that undertake the procedure enjoy relief from discomfort and other symptoms. Even with the advancements in technology and surgical techniques, surgery is never fun. However, with some preparation beforehand and commitment to your recovery thereafter, you can ensure that your rehabilitation is less uncomfortable and quick. Adopt the tips highlighted above and other recommendations from your specialist.