They say that timing is everything in life, and that phrase is certainly true when it comes to shoulder replacement. Pursue the operation too abruptly, and you may end up going through a costly procedure when other less invasive methods could have done the trick. Pursue it too late, and pain and discomfort may linger even after your operation. So how can you know when it’s the right time to seek out a shoulder replacement procedure? In today’s blog, we look at some of the signs that indicate that it is time for shoulder replacement surgery.
The Time Has Come For Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Experiencing just one of these issues may not indicate that shoulder replacement is your best option, but if you find that you’re answering yes to most of the factors on this list, it would be wise to consult with a shoulder specialist in your area.
- Chronic, Unrelenting Pain– Nobody deserves to live with constant shoulder pain, but it’s an unfortunate reality for many Americans. Mild, dull pain that comes and goes may suggest a different shoulder issue, but if you’re dealing with chronic shoulder discomfort, there’s a good chance that the integrity of the entire shoulder complex is compromised. Most patients who undergo shoulder replacement do so in part because they no longer wish to deal with unrelenting shoulder discomfort.
- Conservative Care Isn’t Working– Chronic shoulder pain doesn’t necessarily mean that shoulder surgery or a shoulder replacement is in your future, but if it’s paired with this factor, surgery may be the best option. Because shoulder replacement is a major undertaking, most shoulder specialists are going to want to see how your shoulder responds to conservative treatments before they move forward with an operation. If they can achieve the same or similar results without a costly and invasive operation, that’s the route they’ll have you pursue. If you haven’t tried to address your shoulder discomfort with physical therapy or other non-operative methods, it may not yet be time for shoulder replacement, but if you’ve really given conservative care your best effort and are not seeing the results you’ve hoped for, shoulder surgery or a replacement procedure will be the next logical step.
- You’re Physically And Mentally Able To Handle Surgery– Your physical and mental health will also determine if you are a viable candidate for shoulder replacement. If you’re dealing with a host of other health issues or the doctor has concerns about your ability to overcome the mental burden of surgery and the recovery process, they may have you consider other treatments. Conversely, if you are relatively healthy and have a healthy perspective on what it will take to make a strong recovery after shoulder replacement, your surgeon may be more likely to move forward with a procedure. We want our patients to be mentally and physically strong before we recommend them for a shoulder replacement procedure.
- Daily Tasks Have Become Difficult– Even if you’re not in chronic pain, if you’ve found that daily tasks are becoming more difficult, or you’re shying away from certain activities that you once enjoyed, it may be time to sit down and really consider if this is how you want to live. If reaching out in front of you or lifting your arm above your head is uncomfortable or impossible, know that you can regain strength, flexibility and function with the help of a shoulder replacement procedure. Don’t live life on the sidelines because of lingering shoulder issues.
- Progressed Arthritis– There are a number of shoulder issues that can be treated with conservative treatments or minimally invasive corrective procedures, but arthritis isn’t really one of them. There’s nothing you can do to turn back the clock and restore the joint degeneration that has occurred as a result of repetitive stress or the natural aging process. There may be options for reducing your symptoms and making life a bit more comfortable, but the best way to make a significant improvement when dealing with moderate to severe arthritis is with a surgical procedure, and oftentimes a shoulder replacement is that operation.
Let us help you move forward with whatever shoulder treatment you and your doctor decide is best. For more information about less invasive options, or to hear more about shoulder replacement surgery, reach out to Dr. Holloway’s office today at (865) 410-7887.
