You should not restart weight lifting unless your doctor has cleared you to do so. This is usually 4-6 months following rotator cuff repair surgery. Begin with small weights and work your way up over time.
After arthroscopic shoulder surgery, the risk of injury to the nerves that control the arm (radial nerve and median nerve) is increased. So too is the risk of blood vessel damage or rupture. You should know that just as with any other muscle in the body, muscles weakened by illness or injury need strengthening to prevent further damage to the shoulder. Weight training is a good idea for anyone who has had shoulder surgery.
The best time to start a strength training program is when you first notice symptoms suggesting that you should strengthen your shoulder. For example, if you experience pain when raising your arm above your head, then this is a good indication that it's time to begin working out again. Avoid doing anything that causes pain during exercise - if you feel pain when raising your arm above your head, then stop what you're doing immediately and see your doctor.
Regular exercise and strong muscles help maintain healthy joints and avoid arthritis. Weight training is an excellent way to keep your shoulder joint healthy.
You will work with your physical therapist to restore mobility and strengthen the region during your recovery time. The recovery period for rotator cuff surgery varies by instance, but a full recovery usually takes four to six months. Returning to heavy lifting may take longer than that. People who have had their rotator cuffs repaired typically can return to work in about three weeks and resume all other normal activities in about three months.
Those who have had their rotator cuffs cleaned out or replaced need more time to recover. Their injuries are more serious, so they require more time to heal. It takes about a month before you are ready to fully return to activity. When you do return to activity, start out slowly and build up the intensity over time.
If you are planning on having further treatment after you recover from rotator cuff surgery, now is a good time to consider it. You may be able to achieve better results if done in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy.
Should you experience any pain when moving your shoulder, rest it and contact your physician immediately. Also, should you feel like you cannot move your arm properly, see a doctor right away to avoid any complications.
You should not resume weight training until your doctor or physiotherapist has approved you. This should not be attempted within the first three months after surgery. Before beginning weight training, the shoulder joint should be evaluated to confirm that you have restored complete range of motion. Weight training is recommended after rotator cuff repair because it can help restore strength and stability to the shoulder.
The best way to recover from shoulder surgery is through physical therapy. A physical therapist will be able to design a rehabilitation program that will help you regain mobility and strength in the shoulder. It is important to follow all instructions given to you by your physician and physical therapist to ensure a safe return to activity.
If you have been advised by your doctor to wait before returning to exercise, then do so without forcing the shoulder into movement first thing after surgery. Start with simple activities that don't require much force, such as lifting weights of less than 10 percent of your body weight, and work your way up gradually over time.
Rotator cuff surgery recovery typically consists of immobilizing the shoulder in a sling for seven to ten days, followed by six weeks of physical therapy with passive and aided mobility, followed by six weeks of physical therapy with active motion. Patients can expect to spend about a year recovering from this type of surgery.
If you have had rotator cuff surgery, your doctor will likely advise you to wait at least a month before doing any kind of exercise. He or she may also recommend taking it easy for several months after surgery to allow the tendon to heal properly. It is important not to force the tendon back into place too quickly because this could lead to further injury.
Many people are interested in learning how to do simple home remedies for pain relief after rotator cuff surgery. While these methods cannot replace professional medical care, they can help manage pain and improve a patient's quality of life during recovery.
The most common home remedy for post-surgery pain is heat therapy. A warm compress applied to the shoulder daily can be very helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. Be sure to only use towels that are clean and comfortable; those used as bedding should never be worn again.
Cold therapy is another effective method for reducing pain after rotator cuff surgery. Compresses and ice packs can be used to provide temporary relief of soreness and stiffness.
Full recovery from rotator cuff surgery might take 4 to 6 months, or more in rare circumstances. 3. The magnitude of the rotator cuff rupture, the capacity to appropriately heal the tendons, and the dedication to therapy are the essential elements that influence the time of recovery. Older patients with multiple medical problems may not be able to fully recover as quickly as younger people who don't have other health issues to deal with.
In addition to physical therapy, you should also try and keep your mental state positive. It's important not to feel sorry for yourself or think about how much work you'll miss when you return to work. It's also helpful if friends and family members remind you that you're not the only one who has had surgery and that people often take longer than expected to recover.
If you continue to have pain after six months, then see your doctor who may want to perform additional tests to determine the cause of your pain.