PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR POSITIONING AFTER SHOULDER REVISION SURGERY

PHASE 1 0-3 WEEKS

The upper limb should be kept in a support bandage day and night so that the attached cartilage ring heals in place.
The support can be removed when showering and a couple of times a day to allow the elbow joint to be stretched. However, rotating the forearm outwards from the body should be avoided as this stretches the attached structures.
the first few nights it is easier to sleep in a semi-sitting position
It is a good idea to use anti-inflammatory medications regularly for a few days, after which the dose can be gradually reduced according to the pain.
In the first few days, cold packs in 15-minute intervals on the surgical area will relieve pain.
Physiotherapy starts 3 weeks after surgery and it is a good idea to book an appointment in advance.

PHASE 2 3-6 WEEKS

a check-up visit at the office approximately 3 weeks after surgery
The cartilage ring is still in place and upper arm exercises should be started with caution.
To prevent the shoulder from stiffening, you should start with pendulum exercises and horizontal movement exercises. Forearm rotation is allowed to the so-called neutral position with the palm facing forward, but external rotation should still be avoided. You can get instructions on these during your doctor's visit, as well as individual, more detailed instructions from a physiotherapist.
Physiotherapy visits usually occur 1-2 times a week, but exercises you do at home are the foundation of rehabilitation.
The sling can be removed at 4 weeks, but carrying and putting weight on the baby is still prohibited.
To activate the muscles, so-called isometric exercises are started.

PHASE 3 6-12 WEEKS

Now you can gradually start free stretching in all directions to restore range of motion

Muscle rehabilitation begins with resistance band exercises
During this phase, the goal is to restore full range of motion to the upper limb.
All strenuous lifting and sudden stretching should still be avoided.

STAGE 4 3-6 months

Rehabilitation from surgery takes 4-6 months in total and return to throwing and ball sports begins gradually as rehabilitation progresses.
Actual strength training in the gym begins at 3 months

Ilkka Moilanen

surgery, orthopedics

p 040 5630938