Depending on the severity of your ligament tears, you may need surgery to repair the damage. If you need surgery for shoulder joint separation, the recovery afterward will take time and patience. It can take a few weeks before you are allowed to go back to work and about six months before you make a full recovery. There are a few things you can do to help accelerate the process. Here are tips for a successful recovery after shoulder joint separation surgery.

Follow Aftercare Instructions Carefully

After your shoulder joint separation surgery, you will receive specific instructions from your doctor for recovery. You may be required to refrain from certain movements or activities for a few weeks. Following these instructions carefully will help speed recovery so you can get back to normal.

Participate in Physical Therapy 

Physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery after shoulder joint separation surgery. It can help accelerate healing and restore range of motion. The physical therapist will introduce simple movement exercises shortly after surgery and gradually increase strength training. It is important to follow the pace set by your physical therapist to prevent further injury.

Enlist Help

After your shoulder joint separation surgery, there will be many daily tasks you may find impossible to do on your own. Plan to enlist help for these duties so you can focus fully on your recovery. Older adults may want to consider a short-term rehabilitation program in a skilled nursing facility. Before your surgery, select individuals who can help run errands for supplies and medications and cleaning and cooking. It may be helpful to make meals ahead of time so that you can warm them up in the microwave.

Need Shoulder Joint Separation Surgery? 

Recovery after shoulder joint separation surgery takes time and patience. The time for recovery can vary, depending on the individual and grade of the injury. If you need shoulder joint separation surgery, you need an orthopedic surgeon with extensive expertise and experience. Dr. Steven Struhl has decades of experience with innovative techniques for the treatment of complex shoulder conditions. Call to request an appointment today.

Posted on behalf of Steven Struhl MD