Rehabbing Your Resurfaced Shoulder
Shoulder replacement surgery has its place, but in younger patients, shoulder resurfacing surgery is often the ideal option. It is less invasive and can involve a smaller incision, meaning a quicker recovery and less pain for the patient.
Shoulder resurfacing takes away less bone than does traditional total shoulder replacement surgery. It focuses on just the top of the humerus and uses a smooth metal cap to resurface the humerus head. It is especially effective for younger patients who suffer from arthritis.
Physical therapy begins the day after surgery. We will work closely with you to support soft-tissue healing and the long-term health of your shoulder. Using a variety of exercises, such as pendulum, elbow extension and flexion, hand exercise, shoulder flexion and shoulder external rotation with the elbow at the side, you can achieve
- improved range of motion
- enhanced flexibility
- increased strength
- reduced pain and swelling
Some exercises will be carried out under our guidance while others can be done in the comfort of your home. It is recommended that you perform the exercises several times a day, two to three hours apart.
As the muscles around the shoulder joint heal, most patients can enjoy a gradual return to activities after six to eight weeks. We will monitor your progress and let you know which activities, such as high-impact sports, to avoid. Although you will start to feel much better within weeks, physical therapy should continue for four to six months to ensure progressive gains in strength, range of motion and flexibility.
Considered a bone-preserving shoulder surgery, shoulder resurfacing combined with physical therapy can mean a strong recovery, freedom from pain and a return to active life. Let us assist you to achieve a full recovery after this type of joint surgery.
