Your shoulder is integral to daily life, so a rotator cuff injury can be a significant problem. A rotator cuff repair can help relieve symptoms like pain and immobility, letting you return to everyday life. You can get back to work or sports and perform daily tasks free from inconvenience. However, your recovery from rotator cuff injuries doesn’t stop with surgery.
There are dos and don’ts you must follow to heal fully.
Dos After Rotator Cuff Repair
Your recovery will hinge on what you do following surgery. If you’re not careful with your movements and activities, you may experience complications that set your healing back. Your surgeon and therapist will give you a detailed list of post-op instructions personalized for your needs. Here are a few things you should do after your rotator cuff repair:
Be Mindful Of Your Sling At All Times
Keep your injured shoulder supported by a sling for as long as instructed by your doctor. Only take it off when you have to, such as when performing rehabilitative activities with your physical therapist. Support your sling with your other hand when you change your clothes. That way, you don’t jostle your shoulder and avoid causing pain.
Take Care Of Your Surgical Wounds
Make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions on taking care of your incisions. Surgical wounds can develop an infection if you’re not careful, and this can cause complications. Change your wound dressing and bandage as instructed, and always clean your wounds correctly. Be cautious of your incisions when showering, and make sure you cover your operative shoulder with something waterproof.
Contact your provider if you observe bleeding, unusual discharge, puss, or an unpleasant smell from the surgical area.
Be Careful Of Your Operative Shoulder
You must be mindful of your operative shoulder until you’ve fully recovered. Keep it at the forefront of your mind whatever you do, from changing clothes to walking and even while eating. You should find a comfortable position that lets you rest, sleep well, and not aggravate your shoulder.
Attend Physical Therapy Regularly
Physical therapy is a critical step for post-op recovery. Your therapist can help you perform stretches and exercises to help you regain strength, relieve muscle stiffness, and more. Attending therapy dutifully can also help ensure your operative shoulder recovers properly and help you prevent future re-injury.
Don’ts After Rotator Cuff Repair
Aside from performing activities that promote healing, there are also things you should avoid after your surgery. You won’t immediately be as strong as before your injury and procedure. That means there are activities you could do before that you can’t perform before you recover fully. If you put untoward pressure on your surgical rotator cuff, you might aggravate the operative site and set your healing back. Here are a few things you shouldn’t do after your surgery:
Don’t Force Your Shoulder To Move
Don’t force your shoulder to perform movements that may aggravate your wounds. Your operative rotator cuff is still weak and not fully recovered, especially in the first few weeks after the surgery. Any forceful movement, even ordinary gestures, can pressure your shoulder. If your physical therapist hasn’t cleared you, avoid raising and rotating your arms, as well as pushing and pulling movements.
It’s also best to refrain from driving and traveling without clearance from your provider. Avoid strenuous or repetitive tasks as they could delay or halt your recovery. In addition, playing sports, unsupervised exercise, and lifting weights are entirely out of the question.
Don’t Use Or Take Unprescribed Medication
Don’t use ointments, creams, or medications your provider does not prescribe. They may not be appropriate for your condition, or you may not need them. If you feel symptoms that may require medication, contact your provider.
Don’t Ignore Signs Of Complications
Your provider will tell you about the symptoms you may still feel for some time after your surgery. If you observe signs of complications or anything outside of what your provider said was normal, seek immediate medical assistance. Don’t hurt yourself by trying to power through when you feel shoulder pain or weakness.
Rotator Cuff Repair In Round Rock, TX
Shoulder injuries can be debilitating, painful, and disruptive, especially if your condition is severe. A rotator cuff repair can help you relieve these symptoms, so you can go back to your everyday life. Remember that your full recovery relies on both the surgery and what you do afterward. You must follow the dos and don’ts we listed here to prevent complications. You should also abide by your therapist’s instructions on what you can and can’t do after surgery.
If you’re looking for rotator cuff repair in Round Rock, look no further than Endeavor Physical Therapy & Wellness. We have a team of highly-trained and experienced therapists who can give you the comprehensive care you deserve. If you want to know more about our services, you may contact our friendly staff at (512) 886-7110. If you want to book a consultation, you may use our secure online appointment request form.
We also have 11 other convenient locations in Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Manor, Hutto, and San Marcos. We look forward to serving you!
