How to Prepare for Recovery From Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Recovery from shoulder surgery may be painful and limiting. Doctors often recommend physical therapies and pain relievers to cope and ease the aftereffect of the operation.

There are nonpharmacological and alternative therapies that aim to relieve pain and promote recovery from the surgery.

Here, we give you simple preparation tips to help you recuperate faster from your shoulder replacement surgery.

Tips to Prepare for Shoulder Replacement Recovery

1. Set Your Expectations

Expect pain during the first few days after your shoulder replacement surgery.

You’ll be asked to stay in the hospital for at least one night. The following day, you’ll be asked to begin rehabilitation by moving around.

Your physician can prescribe medications to manage the pain a week after your shoulder surgery. You may be advised to use an arm sling for one to two weeks to control your arm movements.

Physical therapy should be scheduled for a month to restore your range of motion gradually.

You should be able to resume your daily activities as fast as two to four weeks. More intense workouts, like swimming and golf, are possible after six months⁽¹⁾.

2. Prepare Your Home

There are some recommended preparations to consider as you go home after your surgery. These changes should help minimize additional injury, prevent raising the affected arm, and increase the recovery rate after the surgery.

Since you cannot drive after the surgery, plan your mode of transportation ahead of time. This way, everything is already prepared by the time you go home after your surgery.
Arrange your food, kitchen utensils, and other things that you need in a place where you can easily reach them without needing to extend your arms.
You may be advised not to shower for a week after your surgery. Make sure to have washcloths or sponges ready in an accessible place.
Ask your family, friend, or caregiver to assist you with meal preparation and keeping your house clutter-free.
Setting up cameras in the major areas in your home may help your caregiver monitor your activities and offer immediate help if necessary.
It is best to store canned foods, easy and pre-made meals, and other necessities to minimize or avoid the need to go to the grocery.
Make sure that you have cold and heat packs to help manage swelling and joint pains.
Get rid of slippery rugs, electrical wires, toys, or other objects on the floor that may cause trips and falls.
Avoid heavy lifting. For example, if you have liters of water or juice in your fridge, consider putting them in smaller containers that you can easily lift.
For entertainment, choose activities that require minor physical movements. You can try out movie streaming, online games, or sports betting.
Practice using your uninjured arm in doing your daily activities such as eating and brushing your teeth.
Use clothes that are comfortable and easy to put on, like t-shirts, shorts, and slippers.

There are rehabilitation centers that can help patients living alone. These centers offer nursing care and physical therapy until the patient recovers.

3. Consider Post-Operative Care

Some regular activities may be difficult to do after your surgery, like sleeping and sitting. Consider chairs or recliners that offer extra support.

Don’t forget to check your shoulder incision now and then until you have fully recovered. Call your physician immediately for any signs of redness, swelling, pain, and fever.

Expect minor bleeding. Prevent wound infection by keeping the affected area clean and dry. Change your wound dressing as instructed by your doctor until your stitches are removed.

Do not rinse your wound unless your doctor tells you to do so. If you are allowed to shower, do not drench the wound in your bath, and make sure to dry your wound thoroughly.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions and prescriptions regarding pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and other medications for your wound.

4. Engage in Light Exercises

Movement is still necessary for your recovery. Therapists and doctors often recommend routine exercises and functional therapies after your surgery.

These activities are usually light and low-impact. They help to gradually increase the range of motion on your elbow and shoulders.

Examples of these exercises are pendulum movements and gentle clenching and unclenching of your fists to improve blood flow.

Do not overdo your workouts, and make sure to take your rest when you feel fatigued. Give your muscles time to recuperate and adapt to these exercises.

You may experience slight swelling, stiffness, and bruising in your arm and hands. These are symptoms of a normal healing process of your shoulder.

Do not forget to update your doctor on your progress or struggles.

5. Gradually Resume Your Daily Activities

After six weeks, your doctor will decide if you are ready to return to your regular routine or go to work.

For work that requires intensive physical movements, your doctor may suggest additional hours of therapy until your shoulder has fully healed.

However, even as you go back to your regular routine, continuous assistance is still recommended. For example, there are places that offer unique parking solutions to assist you.