Shoulder replacement surgery has the end goal of restoring function and decreasing pain in your shoulder joint, but these improvements won’t occur overnight. In fact, you will typically have less mobility in your shoulder joint in the days and weeks that follow your replacement operation, as your surgeon will want you to protect the area while healing runs its course. So while you should have improved shoulder function down the road, you will have to deal with decreased mobility for a few weeks or months after your total shoulder replacement procedure has been performed. Below, we share some tips on how you can prepare for this decreased mobility so that everyday actions are less difficult.
Preparing Your Arms For Life After Shoulder Replacement
If you take a few steps before your shoulder replacement operation, you’ll notice that your loss in arm mobility is less of an issue after your surgery. Here are some things you’ll want to do to prepare in the lead up to your shoulder replacement procedure.
- Start Practicing With Your Other Arm – If you are going to have limited use of your right shoulder and arm for a while after a joint replacement procedure, start using your left arm more. It may feel a little awkward at first, but you’ll want to be comfortable using the arm that isn’t undergoing surgery before you go under the knife.
- Consider Adaptive Devices – There are a number of devices and products that are more user-friendly for patients with one good arm. For example, pump bottle shampoos and easy open pill organizers can help you avoid the need to twist open bottles in the bathroom, and button up shirts and pants with elastic waist bands can make it easier for you to get dressed in the morning without excessive arm movements. Look for ways to make your life a little easier if you know you’re going to be down to one good arm after the procedure.
- Prehab – As we’ve said on this blog a number of times in the past, you don’t need to wait until surgery has been completed to start doing some physical therapy and strength training exercises. The stronger and more stable your shoulder joint is prior to the procedure, the stronger and more stable it will be after joint replacement. Many patients also find it easier to stick to a rehabilitation routine if they’ve begun exercises prior to their surgery.
- Prepare For Your Return – Finally, take some steps before surgery so that your house is ready for you when you return after your operation. Cook some easy to reheat meals so that you’re not trying to cook healthy meals with one arm after your operation, and prepare some ice packs ahead of time so that you can combat swelling at a moment’s notice once you’re back home. Do your laundry ahead of time so that you can put off washing, drying and folding clothes for a little bit, and pick up any tripping hazards around the house to minimize the risk of a potentially devastating fall.
Don’t wait until after surgery to start preparing your arms and shoulders for life after your operation. If you want help preparing for your upcoming shoulder surgery, or you want to talk to a specialist about any shoulder discomfort that you’re experiencing, reach out to Dr. Holloway and his team today at (865) 410-7887.
