A shoulder replacement procedure can help restore an immense amount of function to your shoulder joint, but that process won’t happen overnight. The surgical procedure is a major trauma on your shoulder and the surrounding soft tissues, so you will experience some pain and discomfort as the anesthesia wears off and during your rehabilitation period. Many patients often ask us what can be done to control or alleviate this pain, and we have a few tips that can help to reduce post-op discomfort. In today’s blog, we share some tips for managing pain after a reverse shoulder replacement procedure.
Pain Management Tips After Reverse Shoulder Replacement
If you’re hoping to do what you can to reduce post-op discomfort after shoulder surgery, you’re already off to a good start by pursuing a reverse replacement procedure. Because of the method used and the positioning of the new artificial shoulder joint, most patients report less pain after a reverse shoulder replacement compared to patients that underwent a traditional replacement. To take pain control one step further, here’s what you’ll want to do after your reverse shoulder replacement operation.
- Take Your Pain Medication As Advised – This first tip may seem obvious, but many patients aren’t great about following their doctor’s specific instructions when it comes to taking their medication. Your doctor will explain how to take your medication so that it is most effective without putting yourself at risk of overdose or dependance. If you have any questions about how to effectively manage your meds, be sure to talk with your care team before you’re discharged.
- Move As Directed – Similarly, you’ll want to follow your doctor’s instructions as it relates to moving or protecting your shoulder from movement. Your shoulder will be immobilized for a while after your reverse shoulder replacement, so you’ll want to avoid activities that could strain the area. Eventually, you will ditch the sling and begin some physical therapy exercises. These movement exercises may be a bit uncomfortable in the short-term, but they’ll help you develop strength and function in the shoulder joint, which aids in long-term pain control. Protect the area when needed, then dive into your rehabilitation exercises when directed to help minimize post-op discomfort.
- Mentally Prepare – Many patients find it helpful if they come into the procedure expecting some post-op discomfort. Knowing that you’ll be in some discomfort won’t make the pain disappear, but pain can feel more intense if you have mismatched expectations for what to expect after surgery. Know that some discomfort will be present, and consider learning some breathing techniques or mindfulness exercises before surgery so that you can help take your attention away from any pain you’re experiencing after your operation.
- Make Sleep Easier To Come By – Many patients find that discomfort is at its peak when sleeping or trying to fall asleep. Your meds may wear off in the middle of the night or you may find it difficult to find a comfortable position with your arm in a sling. Many patients find it easier to sleep in a slightly upright position, like in a recliner or a raised bed, or on their non-operated side with a pillow underneath their arm. Find what works best for you, but also make your bedroom an ideal sleep environment. Keep it dark, cool and free from distractions like unsilenced cell phones and televisions, as these can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. If you wake up in the middle of the night with discomfort, it can be hard to fall back asleep, which is why it’s important to strive for an extended period of uninterrupted sleep.
- Ice And NSAIDs – Ice and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can also help to reduce swelling that may be contributing to discomfort after your reverse shoulder operation. You can ice the area for 10-15 minutes a couple times a day, and you can take anti-inflammatory medications as directed to control pain after your reverse shoulder procedure.
If you keep the above tips in mind, and you trust your operation to a skilled shoulder surgeon like Dr. Holloway who has the technical understanding to perform the operation with minimal tissue damage, we’re confident you’ll have a leg up on post-op pain. For more information, or for assistance managing a different shoulder issue, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team at (865) 410-7887.
