Physical Therapy After Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder injuries are a very common occurrence in the American population and thousands of patients undergo surgery every year. Rotator cuff repairs, labral repairs and shoulder replacements are some of the top procedures performed. When the nature of the injury and pain start to interfere with a person’s quality of life, work, and ability to participate in the things that are important to them then surgery is to be considered. Regardless, physical therapy after shoulder surgery in all cases is a necessary part of post surgical recovery for a patient to return to their full potential.

Many cases of shoulder pain are able to avoid surgery through regular participation in a structured physical therapy program as well as other conservative methods. We have to consider many factors when deciding if a patient needs to have a procedure done. What is the extent of the structural damage? What is their age and health status as well as their ability to tolerate a surgical procedure? Does their job require heavy lifting i.e. construction? Are they a professional athlete who is unable to perform in their sport? Or are they just unable to have proper day to day function of their arm affecting their ability to engage in the simplest tasks.

Immediately after leaving the hospital it is normal to have periods of pain, swelling, decreased mobility and strength. As the healing process progresses these will all improve. Each surgery and surgeon may have differing protocols but physical therapy after surgery may begin within the first week or once the patient is cleared by their surgeon (anywhere between 2 to 6 weeks post operatively). Our team of physical therapists work one on one with each patient and the initial stages of therapy are more hands-on trying to regain normal mobility and decrease pain. We educate our patients on all aspects of their recovery and work on exercise that progressively gets challenging week by week. The goal is to work specifically on the advanced activities or sport needed for each individual to return to their full function and beyond.

According to the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy there are certain variables that can affect positive outcomes in physical therapy after surgery. The following are some that may improve healing and progression during the rehab process but these are all considered on a case by case basis.