Many patients feel like there’s little they can do for their shoulder once their surgical procedure is scheduled, but that’s simply not true. There are a number of ways you can help prepare your shoulder and yourself for the operation and recovery that’s to come, and you’ll be in a much better position to thrive after surgery if you take these steps. In today’s blog, we share five things every patient should be doing before their shoulder surgery day arrives.
Shoulder Tips In The Lead Up To Surgery
The following tips are just general recommendations, and while they are rooted in sound advice, your best move is to have a conversation with your shoulder specialist to determine the best way you can prepare for your upcoming shoulder surgery. With that said, don’t be surprised if some of this advice makes the list:
- Prehab – One of the best things you can do for your shoulder leading up to your shoulder surgery is prehabilitation exercises. We tell all our patients that the stronger their shoulder is before surgery, the stronger it will be after surgery, and that they don’t need to wait until their operation is complete to dive into some strengthening exercises. Getting into the habits of following through on your prehab exercises will also make it easier to stick with your post-op physical therapy program. Ask your surgeon for some exercises or stretches you can perform in the weeks leading up to your surgery.
- Educate Yourself On Your Condition And Recovery – Take some time to learn more about your injury, the procedure you’re undergoing and what is expected during your rehabilitation stage. The informed patient tends to better prepare for surgery and understand their limitations and expectations for life after surgery, and all of this will be helpful in your recovery efforts. If anything proves confusing or is still unclear, be sure to ask questions to your surgeon. They’ll be more than happy to explain why they believe this procedure is the right course for your needs.
- Prepare Your Home – Prepare your house for your return. Remember that you will likely have some physical limitations for a few weeks, so try to set yourself up for success before you go under the knife. Get the laundry done, tidy the house, set out some clothes that will be easy to get on with only one good arm, prepare some healthy and easy to reheat meals, and pick up any tripping hazards around the house. The more you do before surgery, the easier it will be to fall into a healthy rhythm once you return after your shoulder procedure.
- Stock Up On School, Work and Entertainment Options – A shoulder procedure won’t limit your mobility nearly as much as a knee or hip replacement will, but it’s still going to be challenging to drive places and get tasks done, so it may be helpful to stock up on some supplies before your operation. Bring some work home, ask your teacher for assignments or lesson plans, or simply stock up on some entertainment options like movies or books that can keep your brain engaged while you’re recovering from shoulder surgery. Don’t forget to keep your brain entertained during your rehabilitation program, and that process can begin before you have surgery.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Pre-Op Instructions – Finally, it’s imperative that you follow your doctor’s specific pre-op instructions. Stop taking medications as directed, and follow your doctor’s orders when it comes to eating and drinking in the 24 hours prior to surgery. Consuming foods or liquids too close to your procedure can impact the effectiveness of anesthesia or other medications given to assist with the surgery, and this could force your surgery team to reschedule your operation, which is something nobody wants. Make sure you understand what is expected of you in the 72 hours prior to your operation, and stick with this advice.
If you keep these tips in mind and trust your care to a skilled shoulder surgeon like Dr. Holloway, we’re confident you’ll be setting yourself up for success with your shoulder operation and recovery. For more information, or to talk to a shoulder specialist about an issue you’re dealing with, reach out to Dr. Holloway’s office today at (865) 410-7887.
