Recovering from a reverse shoulder replacement surgery can be a lengthy process, but it is crucial to monitor your progress to ensure that you are healing properly. By being aware of the signs of healing and knowing when to seek help, you can expedite your recovery and minimize any potential complications.
Let’s discuss the key indicators of progress during reverse shoulder replacement recovery and explore when it may be necessary to consult with your shoulder replacement surgeon.
Understanding Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Reverse shoulder replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the shoulder joint with an artificial one to relieve pain and improve mobility. It’s called a “reverse” replacement because the ball and socket parts of the shoulder joint are switched.
This procedure is often recommended for individuals with severe shoulder pain or damage, such as rotator cuff tear arthropathy.
Signs of Healing from Reverse Shoulder Replacement
Here are some signs that indicate healing from reverse shoulder replacement surgery.
Decreased Pain
Pain, including reverse shoulder replacement surgery, is a common symptom immediately following any surgical procedure. Initially, you might experience a fair amount of discomfort due to the surgical intervention in your shoulder joint. However, as the healing process progresses, this pain should gradually lessen.
This reduction in pain occurs as the inflammation and irritation caused by the surgical procedure start to subside. Decreased pain is a positive sign that your body is healing and recovering from the surgery.
Improved Mobility
Following reverse shoulder replacement surgery, your mobility may initially be limited. As part of your recovery process, you’ll likely engage in physical therapy to help restore function to your shoulder. This usually begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises.
As you continue with these exercises and your healing progresses, you should notice an improvement in the mobility of your shoulder. This might mean being able to lift your arm higher, rotate your shoulder more comfortably, or perform daily tasks with less difficulty. A steady improvement in mobility is a good indication that your shoulder is healing well.
Increased Strength
In addition to improved mobility, you should also experience increased strength in your shoulder and arm as you recover. This is often a result of consistent physical therapy, which typically includes strength-building exercises.
As your muscles rebuild and adapt to the new joint, you should find it easier to perform tasks that require shoulder and arm strength. This could include anything from lifting objects to opening doors. An increase in strength suggests that your muscles are recovering well from the surgery.
Less Swelling and Redness
Swelling and redness around the surgical site are normal immediate responses to surgery. These symptoms are part of your body’s natural healing process. However, the swelling and redness should gradually decrease as your body recovers from the surgery.
This reduction in swelling and redness indicates that your body is successfully managing the inflammation caused by the surgery.
Closure of Surgical Wound
The surgical wound left by the reverse shoulder replacement procedure should gradually heal and close up. This process involves the formation of new skin and tissue, which protects the underlying structures from infection.
The wound-healing process is generally marked by three stages: inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. During the inflammation stage, you might notice redness and slight swelling. The proliferation stage involves the wound starting to close, and during the maturation stage, the wound fully closes, and the scar begins to form.
The closure of the surgical wound is a key indicator of reverse shoulder replacement surgery recovery. Keeping the wound clean and dry is important to support this healing process.
When to Seek Advice from a Reverse Shoulder Replacement Surgeon
During your reverse shoulder replacement surgery recovery, there are certain situations where you should not hesitate to consult your healthcare provider:
- A sudden increase in pain or swelling
- Loss of motion that was previously achieved
- Unusual warmth or redness in the shoulder
- Audible clicking or grinding with shoulder movement
- Fevers or signs of infection
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Recovery in Port Charlotte, FL
Recovering from reverse shoulder replacement surgery requires patience and diligence. Monitoring your progress, recognizing signs of healing, and knowing when to seek help are all crucial parts of the process.
If you think you or your loved one might be a candidate for reverse shoulder replacement surgery, visit us here at Advanced Orthopedic Center. Our highly experienced reverse shoulder replacement surgeon Dr. Robert Stchur will thoroughly evaluate your shoulder joint and recommend the most suitable treatment option. He also guides his patients at each step of the surgery procedure and recovery process.
To learn more about reverse shoulder replacement recovery or to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff today at (941) 629-6262 or use our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
