People with damaged shoulders requiring severe surgery can find relief in shoulder replacement surgery. When doctors give the basics, there are some things that they do not mention. These may impact on the recovery time, long-term outcomes and your everyday life following surgery.
In this article, we explain what your doctor does not want you to know about shoulder replacement- hidden difficulties and useful advice to recover better.
Understanding Shoulder Replacement Beyond the Basics
Shoulder replacement is a procedure that is done to replace the damaged portions of the shoulder joint with artificial parts. It has been prescribed when there is severe arthritis, fracture or rotator cuff tear that cannot be repaired.
But the surgery does not work in the same way. Results depend on the type of implant, surgical technique and your health condition. Most patients think it is a universal cure; however, that is not the case.
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Recovery Is Not Always Quick
Most patients believe that they can go back to daily activities weeks after the shoulder replacement. In reality, the process of recovery may take several months, even a year.
The following are some of the key points to remember:
- Basic movement takes an average of 6-8 weeks to recover.
- It could also take 6-12 months before strength and flexibility is fully regained.
- Long term outcomes are dependent on physiotherapy following surgery.
Physicians might pay attention to what happens following the operation, yet the commitment to the recovery is the factor that really counts. Missing exercises or overloading the implant by returning to heavy lifting is likely to slow down progress or even ruin the implant.
Pain Management Is More Than Just Medication
Pain is anticipated after surgery. Although you will be prescribed medication by your doctor, another method can be used to relieve discomfort.
These include:
- Ice to relieve swelling.
- Light stretching in the presence of physiotherapists.
- Keeping the shoulder in good posture so that it does not strain unduly.
Doctors are not necessarily going to stress on the significance of these means. The individual use of medication will lead to dependency or side effects. The most efficient is an integrative approach.
You May Need Lifestyle Adjustments
A shoulder replacement will enhance mobility and does not imply that you would resume all your previous habits. Some actions and motions might be required to be avoided forever to preserve the implant.
The lifestyle changes that may be required include:
- Not lifting heavy overhead.
- Reduction of high impact sporting activities such as tennis or basketball.
- Ergonomic appliances in the house.
Such modifications may prolong the life of your new shoulder. Other patients ignore such changes and run the risk of ruining the artificial joint.
Risks Are Real and Need Attention
All types of surgery carry risks, and they are not always emphasized in the consultation. Possible complications that may occur with shoulder replacement include:
- Peri-implant infection.
- Wearing or slackening of the artificial components.
- Damage to nerves resulting in numbness or weakness.
They will be recognized and will help in the identification and timely control of such risks.
Not All Pain Means Failure
Normal infrequent discomfort after a shoulder replacement may sometimes occur, during physiotherapy in particular. This does not necessarily mean that the surgery failed. Nevertheless, your doctor should test persistent pain or painful one that is acute.
Symptoms which should be medically checked:
- Acute pain in the shoulder that has been operated.
- Swelling that only gets worse.
- Possible sign of an infection is fever or chills.
This difference can help you prevent panicking and can act when circumstances require you to do so.
Read more: How Robotic Knee Surgery Can Help You Recover Faster in Bhubaneswar
Conclusion
Shoulder replacement will help improve your life, and it is worth knowing what your doctor may not tell you. Rehabilitation is a process and even successful surgeries that involve changing lifestyles carry risks.
After appropriate medical advice and action, such as, physiotherapy, careful choice of activities, regular check-up etc., you will live to your new shoulder.
When you plan to have the surgery, you should do so with clear expectations, and you should keep in mind that you are as committed to the surgery as you are to the recovery
