It’s important that all patients follow their doctor’s instructions before and after a surgical procedure. While it may seem crazy, what happens before and after surgery is often just as important as the procedure itself. In this article, we discuss five tips for shoulder surgery pre and post operative care.
Physical Therapy
Outpatient home exercises are specific to the type of procedure performed. Typically post-operative therapy begins within the first week of surgery. The duration of therapy is also determined by the procedure performed. A therapy order will be written at the time of surgery for you to take with you to your first post-op therapy visit.
Brace (Sling)
If you are given a sling in the office prior to surgery, bring it with you to the surgical facility. The length of time wearing the sling will be determined by the procedure performed. The sling should be worn anytime you are up and around to protect the arm. This means that is should be worn at night while sleeping also. It can be removed as instructed by your doctor or physical therapist.
Driving
No driving until cleared by your doctor. This is usually 1-2 weeks after surgery, but will be addressed by the doctor at your first post-op visit. You will need someone to drive you home after surgery. No driving while taking pain medications. It is recommended that patients DO NOT drive cars with manual transmission with their operative arm while they are healing because sudden movements that accompany shifting can cause pain and could re-injure the shoulder.
Activities of Daily Living
To perform axillary (arm pit) hygiene, simply bend over at the waist and allow the arm to dangle away from the body. This exposes the axillary region but does not require active use of the operative shoulder. This exactly how to perform the pendulum exercise as well.
You should keep the axilla dry to prevent redness under the arm. It is recommended to always dress with the operative arm inserted first. Perform the pendulum exercise as instructed above, slip your operative arm in the shirt first and then pull the shirt over your head. A button or zip shirt is always an easier option. Use of the operative arm depends on the specific procedure performed and is explained in the therapy protocol for the indicated procedure.
Medical Clearance
Not every patient is sent for a pre-operative medical clearance by your primary care doctor. If you are required by your doctor to have a clearance, an appointment will be made by one of our scheduling staff. In the outpatient facility, lab work is seldom required by the anesthesia staff. You may be required to have an anesthesia consult prior to surgery-this will be scheduled by our office or the surgical facility.
At the hospital, you WILL be required to go to the pre-admission clinic prior to your surgery. This will facilitate procedures on the day of your surgery.
