General Health Tips & News


Tips for Shoulder Surgery Recovery


By A.S. (staff writer) , published on November 17, 2021



Medicine Telehealth Health Tips for Shoulder Surgery Recovery


 

 

Are you unable to raise your arm? Do you feel constant pain and stiffness in your shoulder? Has the conservative treatment failed to improve your symptoms? The answer to your problems can be shoulder surgery that varies from minimally invasive rotator cuff surgery to total shoulder replacements.

Shoulder surgery recovery takes almost six months which means immobilizing your hand for some time. Here's a list of must-haves that you should arrange before your surgery for convenience postoperatively.

 

 

 

Must-have Tips You Should Follow

 

Since you will be using just one hand, you have to be prepared for post-surgery challenges. The must-have items are:

1. Loose clothes: Upgrade your wardrobe with loose-fitted clothes that fit over your sling. Zippers or easy-to-use button-down shirts are another option to minimize your movements at the shoulder joint. Wearing shoes requires extra effort, so that you will need slippers.

2. Shower chair: Post-surgery medications can make you dizzy. A shower chair allows you to rest and eliminates the risk of falling.

 3. Detachable shower head: It keeps your incision dry to fasten the shoulder surgery recovery.

 4. Pump soap: This makes your bathing process easier with one hand.

5. Extra pillows: Buy soft cushions to prop up the surgical arm at a comfortable height. The pillows provide additional support to the immobilized arm so that you can sleep peacefully.

6. Ice packs: Even after the surgery, you will feel pain for some time. The ice pack controls the pain and allows you to sleep well.

 7. Frozen food: Cook before surgery and freeze it or buy frozen food. Avoid preparing meals from scratch as you won't be able to open cans and jars with one hand.

 8. High-fiber food: It's normal to experience constipation after surgery. Buy high fiber food such as apples, oatmeal, and broccoli, etc., beforehand.

 9. Laxatives: In order to relieve constipation, a laxative is another option.

11. Large waterproof bandages: It lowers the risk of infection by keeping the surgical area dry. 12. Supplements: The doctor will prescribe vitamins and analgesics. Vitamins and minerals speed up shoulder surgery recovery.

 13. Medicine box: It's confusing to take different pills every day. Organize your medicine in a medicine box to save time.

 14. Help with the chores: With one hand, you cannot drive or buy all the groceries. Arrange transportation for your post-surgical appointments and appoint someone to help you with your tasks.

15. Good company: Don't corner yourself just because you cannot perform certain activities. A positive attitude is the only thing to keep you going. Invite your friends, have a good talk and stay happy.

16. Reorganize: Move essential items at an easy reach to avoid stress on your shoulder. Furthermore, restock soaps, toothpaste, etc.

 

 

 

Endnote

Restrict your movements at the shoulder joint for some time. The above list makes your shoulder surgery recovery a bit smooth. It would be best to surround yourself with familiar faces for emotional support to get yourself through this tough time. Besides, make a routine to drink water and provide your body with vital nutrients.

 

 

 

Reference

Haddad, A. (n.d.). 15 must-haves after shoulder surgery. httos://www.soorts-health.com/blog/15-must-haves-after-shoulder-surgery

 




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