Keeping your recovery on track or even speeding up your timeline a bit doesn’t happen by accident. You’ll want to be calculated in how you approach your months-long recovery after rotator cuff surgery. With that in mind, here’s a look at some ways to help speed your rehab up a bit.
Make Life Easier On Yourself
This tip may not actually shorten your recovery, but it can make the recovery process seem less daunting, and that in itself can be helpful to your rehabilitation journey. Before surgery, prepare the house for your return. Your arm will be in a sling for a while as you recover, so getting dressed, making lunch or doing laundry will all be a little more difficult. Know that this is coming and prepare for it. Prep some healthy, easy to reheat meals, lay out some clothes that are easier to put on (elastic waistbands, sandals, button-up shirts, etc.), do your laundry and pick up any tripping hazards that could cause a painful fall. Your recovery will be simpler if you take some simple preparations before your operation.
Come In With The Right Attitude
Your attitude can make a big difference in your recovery following rotator cuff surgery. Know that you’ll need to put in some work on your end and that it won’t always be painless. If you let discomfort or a lack of motivation for PT dictate your recovery, it’s going to be a longer and more daunting process. Mentally prepare yourself for the work you’ll put in to make the fullest recovery possible so that you don’t feel overwhelmed when the time comes.
Prehab
Finally, statistics show that prehabilitation before surgery can help to reduce recovery time after surgery. Even though the rotator cuff will be surgically addressed, you can still work to strengthen and stabilize it before your operation. The stronger it is before surgery, the stronger it will be after surgery, so don’t wait to start shoulder exercises until the surgeon has done their job. To learn about the best prehab exercises for your rotator cuff, reach out to your shoulder specialist.
If you do all of the above things, we’re confident that your recovery after rotator cuff surgery will stay on track and may even speed up. For more information, or for help with your shoulder issue, reach out to Dr. Holloway’s office today.
