Treating Shoulder Dislocation / Subluxation (Instability) and Associated Pain with Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy
Last updated Friday, January 04, 2008
RehabilitationPhysical therapy Early
motion after shoulder surgery is helpful for achieving optimal shoulder
function. A postoperative therapy protocol usually is set out a week at a time
by either the physical therapist or surgeon. Initially stretching exercises are
more important to regain range of motion and diminish the likelihood that scar
tissue develops. Later, at four to six weeks, strengthening exercises can
begin.Rehabilitation options It
is often most effective for the patient to carry out his or her own exercises
so that they are done frequently, effectively and comfortably. Usually, a
physical therapist instructs the patient in the exercise program and advances
it at a rate that is comfortable for the patient. After surgery, emphasis is initially
on improving flexibility and range of motion of the shoulder through gentle
stretching exercises. Three months postoperatively, a physical therapist could
add strenuous exercises (e.g., weightlifting) to the protocol.Can rehabilitation be done at home? In
general the exercises are best performed by the patient at home. Occasional
visits to the surgeon or therapist may be useful to check the progress and to
review the program.Usual response Patients
are almost always satisfied with the increases in range of motion, comfort and
function that they achieve with the exercise program. If the exercises are
uncomfortable, difficult, or painful, the patient should contact the therapist
or surgeon promptly.Risks This
is a safe rehabilitation program with little risk. The main risk is failing to
follow the therapy protocol, either by not doing exercises and stretching or by
attempting to resume physical activities too quickly. Such activity or lack of
activity could compromise the surgical result.Duration of rehabilitation Once
the range of shoulder motion and strength goals are achieved, the exercise
program can be cut back to a minimal level. However, gentle stretching is
recommended on an ongoing basis.Returning to ordinary daily activities Patients could plan to resume daily
light activities and tasks approximately one month after surgery, though
probably could drive a stick-shift automobile sooner, at two weeks.
Athletes attempting to resume play will have to
wait significantly longer; for example, no throwing should take place for three
months postoperatively. Similarly, heavy training or a very physically
demanding jobs, such as construction work, can be safely resumed three or four
months after surgery.Long-term patient limitations Most
shoulder-surgery patients can anticipate a full return to previous activities.
No long-term limitations are anticipated.Costs The
surgeon and therapist should provide the information on the usual cost of the
rehabilitation program. The program is quite cost-effective, because it is
based heavily on home exercises.Surgery for Cartilage and ligament tears in the shoulder at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.
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