If you've just undergone shoulder surgery, or you're about to, it's important that you understand help your injury recover once you leave the hospital. The steps for shoulder recovery are practical and should be followed as closely as possible.
Instructions
1. Keep your shoulder as immobile as possible. You will typically be wearing a sling or another form of harness. Unless instructed by your doctor, remove any stress from your shoulder until instructed to do otherwise.
2. Apply ice to your shoulder to help with any swelling. Ice will typically be applied every 20 to 30 minutes or as prescribed by your doctor. Icing the shoulder will help keep down swelling, and can bring about a faster recovery. Do not place the ice directly on the skin; instead, use a moist towel wrapped around the ice or ice pack.
3. Take the medication prescribed by your doctor. Typically, you will receive antibiotics; these pills will help fend off infection and therefore lead to a faster recovery. Do not miss any prescribed times for your medication.
4. Avoid cigarettes for a faster recovery. According to the 67th annual American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons meeting (held on March 20, 2000), of 235 patients surveyed, 84 percent of those who did not smoke experienced fast recovery times, while only 35 percent of smokers experienced the same recovery times.
5. Follow the rehab schedule provided by your doctor or your physical rehab specialist. You will eventually want to start moving your shoulder again at the rate prescribed to avoid too much atrophy and tensing of the muscles surrounding the shoulder.
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