It might be alarming to feel some pain even after rotator cuff repair surgery. Rest assured, this is a common occurrence. Usually, the soreness is due to your shoulder recovering from the surgery itself or stiffness from the lack of movement.
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Is shoulder physical therapy painful?
The short answer is no. Physical therapy should not be painful. It’s not unusual to feel hesitant—or even nervous—about physical therapy. After all, a complete stranger is about to start poking around the part of your body that’s already causing you pain and discomfort.
Does physical therapy hurt after surgery?
In order to begin working on that part of the body, the physical therapist must first work on breaking up the scar tissue to allow the joint or limb to begin moving the way it should. This process is not only grueling, it is often as painful as having the surgery itself.
Is physical therapy necessary after shoulder surgery?
Doctors typically recommend physical therapy as a key part of a patient’s recovery after surgery. If you have recently had shoulder surgery, physical therapy can help you maximize the results of your operation and get your shoulder working again.
Why does my shoulder hurt more after physical therapy?
This is because your muscles are being used to move your bones, and when you use your muscle to move your body, the injured muscle activates the pain fibers in the injured area, and you have pain.
Why do I feel worse after physical therapy?
Discomfort and soreness are to be expected, because physical therapy, in order to work, must train your body. This is the same principle that applies when building strength through exercising or working out. The muscles must experience a certain amount of stress, which can lead to irritation and soreness.
What is PT like after rotator cuff surgery?
After surgery, your shoulder will be immobilized in a sling for the first 4 to 6 weeks. During this period, you may perform very low-load exercises initiated by your physical therapist. These exercises require low activation of the rotator cuff muscles.
How long is PT after shoulder surgery?
Generally, a patient wears a sling for the first two to three weeks and begins physical therapy one week after surgery. The physical therapy program typically lasts for three to four months.
How long does intense pain last after shoulder surgery?
Stiff shoulder: A stiff shoulder is one of the more common complications of rotator cuff surgery, with one study finding 20 percent of patients experiencing postoperative stiffness. While this stiffness may be unpleasant, the study found it typically resolved with six to 12 months after the surgery.
Does physical therapy get worse before it gets better?
Physical therapy is a common and legitimate treatment option for many different conditions, injuries, as well as surgery recovery. Physical therapy is aimed at improving symptoms and pain, but sometimes patients experience worsening symptoms after engaging in physical therapy exercises.
Can physical therapy do more harm than good?
Much of what goes on in those visits — especially exercise and hands-on therapy — can help by boosting strength, restoring flexibility and stabilizing joints. But some techniques aren’t backed by sound science and can even do more harm than good.
What helps with pain after physical therapy?
These three tips can help alleviate some of your discomfort: 1. Ice the area >> Soreness typically means that the tissue of the body part is inflammed. Ice will work to cool and soothe the area – just as inflammation is a typical part of the healing process, ice should be a typical response to that inflammation.
What happens if I don’t do physical therapy after shoulder surgery?
If an artificial joint isn’t properly stabilized with physical therapy or you don’t work to reduce scar tissue after an open operation, you’re at a higher risk for needing a subsequent corrective surgery.
When do you start physical therapy after arthroscopic shoulder surgery?
When should I start physical therapy after shoulder surgery? You will usually start physical therapy within the first 10 days. To begin with, physical therapy will focus on keeping your muscles supple with passive motion. This will help you when it’s time to practice exercises to rebuild your strength and flexibility.
How long after rotator cuff surgery can you raise your arm?
You should not do any reaching, lifting, pushing, or pulling with your shoulder during the first six weeks after surgery. You should not reach behind your back with the operative arm.
Should I take a day off from physical therapy?
Just remember that rest is an extremely important part of the healing process. Taking part in rehab exercises is key to gaining strength and mobility back in the injured area. With that being said, there must be rest days in between; without it there will be no progress.
How do you know when physical therapy is not working?
Physical therapy might stop if the patient isn’t seeing results or making progress within the time-frame their physical therapist thinks they should be. After all, it can be frustrating to attend regular appointments, perform all the instructed exercises and still not make progress toward your goals.
How do I know if physical therapy is working?
If you faithfully complete your exercise homework and your range of motion has not changed after a few appointments, it’s time for a discussion with your physical therapist. If you do not progress, it may be time for a second opinion. You don’t see a progression in your treatment plan.
How many days a week should you do physical therapy?
A typical order for physical therapy will ask for 2-3 visits per week for 4-6 weeks. Sometimes the order will specify something different. What generally happens is for the first 2-3 weeks, we recommend 3x per week. This is because it will be the most intensive portion of your treatment.
When should I stop physical therapy?
In general, you should attend physical therapy until you reach your PT goals or until your therapist—and you—decide that your condition is severe enough that your goals need to be re-evaluated. Typically, it takes about 6 to 8 weeks for soft tissue to heal, so your course of PT may last about that long.
Should you rest after physical therapy?
They may require you to rest if they notice any struggle or discomfort during physical therapy. Utilize the rest days between therapy sessions to restore your energy and strength. Make sure to get good sleep, deep relaxation, and enjoyment during recovery. Getting sufficient rest leads to a healthy mind and body.
Why is shoulder surgery so painful?
A rotator cuff surgery is a major surgical intervention in the shoulder, and the reason that there is pain after surgery is the amount of normal surgical trauma. Cutting, drilling, cauterizing, and suturing tissues create pain and inflammation.
When can I sleep in bed after rotator cuff surgery?
As your pain subsides and your shoulder heals, you can slowly lower yourself deeper into a horizontal position until it’s finally comfortable again. You will most likely need to sleep in a semi-reclined position for at least six weeks after surgery, sometimes longer.
How long do I wear my sling after rotator cuff surgery?
Patients are often advised to wear a sling or brace for the first 4–6 weeks after rotator cuff repair surgery to prevent them from performing any physical activities involving the affected shoulder (3).
What is the fastest way to recover from shoulder surgery?
- Wear a sling. To speed recovery, it is important to keep your shoulder immobilized initially after surgery so your tendon can heal.
- Sleep carefully.
- Ask for help.
- Watch for complications.
- Do the physical therapy.
- Keep comfortable.
- Be mindful of your movement.
- Pace yourself.