If you’re like a lot of golf enthusiasts, you probably recently finished following this year’s Masters Tournament (congrats Rory on defending your title!) and are interested in getting back out on the course this year. Golfing can be a wonderful way to physically and mentally challenge yourself over the course of a few hours, and it’s hard enough to shoot well without having to deal with shoulder pain during each swing. Shoulder replacement can help those with moderate to severe shoulder pain get back to playing golf without discomfort, but getting back on the course after surgery isn’t simply about just waiting for healing to run its course. In today’s blog, we explain the best way to help yourself get back on the golf course after shoulder replacement surgery.
Golfing After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Believe it or not, a desire to continue golfing is one of the more common reasons we hear mentioned during consultations in regards to why someone is considering a replacement procedure. It may not be their primary reason, but it’s clearly an important element and something they hope to be able to return to in the not so distant future. We want to help these patients achieve these goals so that they can get back to doing all the activities they previously enjoyed before shoulder pain set in, but we always tell them that surgery alone isn’t going to get them to that point. There are some specific steps and checkpoints they’ll need to hit along the way, and we make sure this is known prior to surgery so that there are no surprises after the operation if performed. Here’s what we tell our patients who are hoping to get back to golfing after shoulder replacement.
- PT Will Be Your Best Friend – As we mentioned above, getting back on the golf course and making the strongest recovery possible after shoulder replacement surgery isn’t going to happen by simply keeping your arm in a sling and protecting the shoulder over the course of a few months. You’re going to need to strengthen the shoulder and restore flexibility in the region, and the best way to do that is through a targeted physical therapy program. Once you’re cleared for PT, really throw yourself into the program and give it your all during your in-person sessions and your home-based exercises. PT teaches your shoulder to get used to all the movements and stress patterns you’ll experience when you’re out golfing, so take the sessions seriously and stick with it until you’ve made a full recovery.
- Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions – You’ll also want to do what you can to avoid suffering a setback during your recovery period, and that involves following your surgeon’s advice when it comes to your activity restrictions. We understand that you’re probably itching to get back on the golf course or pursue more daily physical activities, but don’t push yourself too hard too soon. Overdoing it or stepping outside of your restrictions can lead to damage to the repaired shoulder that could make it difficult to comfortably return to golf.
- Gradual Reintroduction To Golf – With all shoulder-based activities, but golf especially, you’re going to want to ease back into the activity and see how your shoulder responds to this stress before you take on greater challenges. Don’t sign up for a scramble and try to play 18 holes the first time you’re back out on the course. Take things slow and gradually build up the stress you put on your shoulder. Start out by simply taking some time on the putting green. See how it feels to chip a short distance onto the green. Eventually, transition to the driving range and see how it feels to hit a bucket of balls with different clubs. Move on to a par three course or see how your shoulder responds to nine holes of golf before you tackle a full set of 18 holes on a standard course. If you try to take on too much golf too soon, your season can end before it truly begins.
The fact of the matter is that the majority of patients who want to pursue golf after a shoulder replacement procedure are able to do so, but it takes some time and proactive planning. You may be able to get back on the course within 4-6 months of your shoulder replacement operation, but it can take a year or longer for your shoulder to reach maximum recovery. Be patient and listen to your body as you work your way back and care for it as needed. Remember, your recovery period is just as important as your PT sessions when it comes to making lasting improvement, so eat right, prioritize quality sleep and avoid overstressing your shoulder to help it continue to build strength and function as you recover after shoulder replacement.
Let our team help you get back to golfing with the help of a shoulder replacement procedure or similar type of shoulder treatment. For more information on how we can assist, connect with Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
