A shoulder replacement procedure is a major undertaking that shouldn’t be your first course of treatment for shoulder discomfort, but at the same time, it can provide you with immense pain relief and greatly increase your quality of life, so it can be the perfect option for the right patient. But how can you know if shoulder replacement may be right for you? In today’s blog, we look at some of the signs that suggest you should have a consultation with a shoulder replacement specialist.
When To Consider Shoulder Replacement
If you are dealing with any of the following issues, you may want to talk with your primary care physician or set up an appointment with a shoulder specialist to see what type of treatment may be right for you.
- You’re Struggling To Get Dressed – If shoulder pain or mobility restrictions are making it hard to get dressed in the morning, it’s time to talk with a professional. If it’s getting hard to lift your arms and shoulders to get a shirt over your body, you may be an ideal candidate for shoulder replacement surgery.
- Pain When Sitting – If you are dealing with a shoulder problem, odds are the discomfort is worse when you’re moving your shoulders or lifting your arms. However, if you’re also dealing with shoulder pain and discomfort when you’re not actively using your shoulders, it’s a sign that the joint needs attention. Shoulder pain when sitting or standing without moving your shoulders means that there is a more severe issue at play.
- Conservative Treatment Is Ineffective – If you’ve been pursuing treatments like physical therapy, stretching exercises and medication, and nothing seems to be doing the job, your best course of action may be a surgical procedure. Non-operative methods can be extremely effective at treating a number of shoulder conditions, but if they are proving ineffective, it may be time to have a professional intervene.
- Significant Weakness – If you’ve lost a lot of strength in your shoulders and arms, know that you may be able to restore it with the help of a replacement operation. Shoulder weakness can make normal movements difficult and even dangerous, so don’t try to just get by with significant shoulder weakness. If lifting or carrying objects has become difficult or impossible because of your shoulder weakness, consult with a specialist.
- Sleep Issues – Difficulty falling and staying asleep may be caused by a number of different health issues unrelated to your shoulder pain, but if your shoulder is disrupting your sleep on a regular basis, you may benefit from a replacement operation. Lack of healthy sleep can contribute to a number of other health issues, like sleep apnea or diabetes, so there’s more than just physical discomfort at stake if shoulder pain is causing sleep issues. Talk with a doctor to get your shoulder pain and your sleep issues under control.
For more information about shoulder replacement surgery or the best treatments for your shoulder discomfort, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
