Post-Surgery Shoulder Rehabilitation: Key Exercises and Guidelines - Orthopedics

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Post-surgery shoulder rehabilitation is a critical aspect of recovery, especially after procedures like ligament repair. It is essential to follow a structured rehabilitation program to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the shoulder. Here are some key exercises and guidelines to consider during your recovery process, particularly in the second week post-surgery.


1. Pendulum Exercises
For your first question regarding pendulum exercises, it is generally recommended to use your non-injured side (the healthy arm) to support your injured arm. The injured arm should be relaxed and allowed to hang down. This allows gravity to assist in gentle movement without putting undue stress on the shoulder. You can gently swing your arm forward and backward, side to side, and in circular motions. This exercise helps to promote blood flow and mobility without straining the shoulder joint.


2. Sensation During Exercises
Regarding your second question about feeling tightness in the shoulder during pendulum exercises, this is quite normal. After surgery, it is common to experience tightness as the muscles and tissues around the shoulder are healing. However, if you experience sharp pain or discomfort that feels different from tightness, you should stop the exercise and consult your healthcare provider. It’s important to listen to your body and not push through pain. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises should not cause significant pain, and any discomfort should be manageable.


3. Exercise Frequency and Repetitions
For your third question about the frequency and volume of exercises, performing 30 repetitions of each movement (forward, backward, side-to-side, and circular motions) for four cycles, three times a day, can be appropriate, depending on your comfort level and the guidance of your physical therapist. However, it’s crucial to ensure that you are not overexerting yourself. If you feel fatigued or if the tightness turns into pain, it may be beneficial to reduce the number of repetitions or the frequency of the exercises. Quality of movement is more important than quantity, especially in the early stages of rehabilitation.


Additional Guidelines
- Warm-Up: Always start with a gentle warm-up to increase blood flow to the shoulder. This can include light movements of the arm and shoulder or using a heating pad for a few minutes.

- Ice Therapy: After exercising, applying ice to the shoulder can help reduce any swelling or discomfort. Make sure to wrap ice in a cloth to avoid direct contact with the skin.

- Progress Gradually: As you progress, your physical therapist may introduce more advanced exercises, including active range-of-motion exercises and strengthening activities. It’s essential to follow their guidance closely.

- Avoid Overhead Movements: In the early stages of recovery, avoid lifting your arm above shoulder level or performing any overhead activities until cleared by your healthcare provider.

- Stay Consistent: Consistency is key in rehabilitation. Regularly performing your prescribed exercises will help you regain strength and mobility more effectively.


Conclusion
Rehabilitation after shoulder surgery is a gradual process that requires patience and diligence. Always consult with your physical therapist or healthcare provider before making changes to your exercise routine. They can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific condition and recovery progress. Remember, the goal is to restore function while minimizing the risk of re-injury. Stay committed to your rehabilitation plan, and you will likely see improvements over time.