Dos and Don’ts after shoulder replacement surgery
Introduction
After shoulder replacement surgery, you might find that you are more prone to getting falls and injuring your arm again. In this article, we’ll cover some tips on how to minimize these risks and make sure you are as comfortable as possible while recovering.
Dos to follow
1. Rest, relax, and allow your shoulder to heal properly. Taking regular breaks may help reduce the risk of developing postoperative shoulder pain or stiffness.
2. Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for the first few weeks after surgery. This will help your shoulder healing process by allowing time for new muscle tissue to form.
3. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you experience discomfort or swelling in your arm or hand. Increased thirst can help reduce the risk of developing an infection.
4. Apply heat or ice packs to your shoulder as needed – these can help reduce swelling and pain. You can also take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve pain and inflammation.
Don’ts that needs to remembered
Don’t overdo it the first few days after surgery. If you’re in a lot of pain, you might be doing too much. Be patient and allow your body to heal.
Don’t lift anything that’s more than 10 pounds until you see your surgeon. Until you know how strong your shoulder is, lifting anything heavy is not safe.
Don’t drive until you can safely do so. You might need someone to take you to appointments and help with driving.
And finally, don’t overthink things. Just take it easy and let your body heal properly.
Conclusion
After shoulder replacement surgery, it is important to follow a few dos and don’ts in order to reduce the risk of infection and improve your recovery. Here are some other key points to keep in mind:
-Warm water baths can help ease pain and swelling
-Avoid heavy lifting until you have fully recovered from surgery
-Stay off of any strenuous activities for at least six months after surgery
Keep your shoulder immobilized for the first few weeks to help prevent movement and further injury. You may be able to resume some daily activities after a few weeks, but be sure to contact your surgeon or health care team for advice before making any changes.
For quick relief of any shoulder pain, stiffness, or injury, consult Dr. Yugal at YK Orthopaedics. He is a renowned shoulder specialist in Gurgaon and has an extensive experience in total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement surgery.
