Roohealthcare.com – If you are suffering from shoulder pain, you may want to learn more about Rotator Cuff Surgery Rehab. While many rotator cuff tears can be resolved with physical therapy alone, most require surgery. Although there are many successful rotator cuff repair surgeries each year in the United States, a postoperative physical therapy program is vital for a long-term, successful outcome. Here are some of the benefits of physical therapy.
Procedure First Few Week After Surgery
In the first few weeks following rotator cuff surgery, you’ll be required to spend some time in a sling to allow your shoulder to heal. During this time, you’ll begin a gentle exercise program that will help you strengthen the shoulder and reduce the pain you experienced during surgery. After the first few weeks, you’ll be able to perform some basic exercises at home and begin protected motion. Within six months, you can resume all of your normal activities.
Inflamed rotator cuffs are caused by an increase in the fluid between cells and increased blood vessels. These tissues, which are passive, do not receive as much oxygen and blood as muscle tissue. Therefore, they are more susceptible to tearing, degeneration, and repetitive stress and strain. In addition, the healing process will take longer for the rotator cuff, making it more prone to injury.
The procedure is done through an outpatient clinic, which means that you won’t have to stay in the hospital. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the most suitable procedure with you. You may be experiencing other shoulder problems, including osteoarthritis, biceps tendon tears, and bone spurs. However, if the rotator cuff tear is only one problem, it may be best to undergo a traditional open repair, which will also involve the treatment of other shoulder conditions. Mini-open or arthroscopic procedures are also popular options. All of these procedures provide pain relief and a significant improvement in strength and joint range of motion.
Causes Stiffness and Loss of Range of Motion
The recovery period after surgery will depend on the severity of the injury. Most rotator cuff tendon surgery patients require a two to six-week sling. Following the surgery, patients may also need pain medication and nerve blocks. Once the pain has subsided, they may be given physical therapy. Physical therapy can also prescribe exercises to help reduce the chances of re-tearing. The patient should avoid doing any activity that causes stiffness, as this may cause stiffness and loss of range of motion.
After surgery, patients should undergo physical therapy to help the shoulder heal. They can use light weights, resistance bands, and gentle stretching to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder. In addition to strength training, a physical therapist can teach you isolation techniques and stretches that will increase the range of motion and strengthen the supporting muscles. Rehabilitation can last up to 12 weeks, depending on the patient’s recovery. It is important to follow the prescribed physical therapy program.
After rotator cuff surgery, physical therapy is vital to restoring function. The rehabilitation process should include a careful evaluation of the patient’s condition and recovery goals. It is essential to understand the guiding principles of rotator cuff rehabilitation so that they can develop a personalized exercise program that is appropriate for them. You may even benefit from a rehabilitation program if you have other medical conditions or injuries.
Common Treatments for Rotator Cuff Tear
After rehabilitation, patients can return to the activities they love. In some cases, rehabilitation is enough. In others, however, rotator cuff surgery is needed. Arthroscopic shoulder surgery is a common treatment for tears of the rotator cuff. This procedure uses specially designed instruments to perform the procedure through tiny incisions, so the patient feels minimal discomfort and has minimal recovery time. It also avoids the need for a hospital stay.
Following rotator cuff surgery, patients can resume a limited range of motion with the arm. They should avoid lifting heavy objects until they are stronger than before surgery. They should avoid bearing their body’s weight on the affected arm until they feel comfortable. For best results, it is advisable to schedule follow-up therapy sessions with an orthopedic surgeon. The rehabilitation process lasts anywhere from four to six months after surgery.
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