Question: How long does it take to recover from shoulder surgery?
Answer: A good orthopedic surgeon will always recommend surgery as the absolute last option. In most cases, there is a range of non-surgical treatments to try before surgery is necessary. But when patients have hit the proverbial wall of pain and conservative measures are no longer helpful, surgical intervention may be the only option.
When it comes to shoulder surgery, advances in the last several years have greatly improved patient experience and enabled them to recover faster, resulting in increasing numbers of patients who have surgery and go home the same day. Patients recover better at home and are happier when able to check out sooner.
Time & Experience Count
Shoulder replacement surgery (without complications) that is kept to just over a half-hour or so in a highly-controlled environment results in little blood loss. The less time the patient is under anesthesia, the better the recovery. There is less risk of infection, patients are more satisfied, and there are better function and less pain during a home recovery — all benefits of patients leaving a surgery center with their arm in a sling and headed home the same day.
Those considering surgery also benefit from getting as much information as possible prior to the operation, including reviewing physical therapy videos that clearly illustrate exercises. The video previews help patients and physicians to set and meet specific goals during recovery.
Outpatient surgery and home rehabilitation save patients time and money. Most patients can use their arm enough to care for themselves within a week after the procedure. After three months of follow-up appointments, the patient no longer requires office visits, but atrophy from the initial injury could take up to a year to fully improve.
It is important to note that the outpatient experience is not for everyone. Patients with complicated medical histories may not qualify. The patient must have sufficient family or social support at home and have a realistic expectation of some pain and discomfort despite reasonable pain-relief strategies.
Make sure your orthopedic surgeon is experienced in shoulder replacement. Many published studies have indicated that the more times a surgeon performs surgery, the better the patient’s results. Additionally, high volume surgeons are better able to provide value-based care that equates to better outcomes over cost.
Another thing to consider when choosing an orthopedic surgeon is if he or she follows up with patients to track pain and mobility. Such statistics are helpful in setting expectations for patients.
Dr. Reuben Gobezie is founder of The Cleveland Shoulder Institute. He and his team treat patients with all types of shoulder and elbow disorders resulting from injuries, overuse or disease. Learn more at clevelandshoulder.com.
