| The human shoulder is one of the most complex and | | | | Each type of shoulder injury or condition necessitates |
| unstable joints in the body. The strain and stress that | | | | a different surgery procedure - and therefore a |
| most of us put our shoulders through during | | | | different recovery time. Ask your doctor about what |
| day-to-day living can wreak havoc on these joints | | | | to expect in terms of recovery time in your situation. |
| over the years. Potential injuries and conditions of the | | | | 3. Make sure you understand your doctor's orders: |
| shoulder include: dislocation, separation, tendonitis, | | | | Your doctor knows best. Make sure you understand |
| fracture and arthritis. | | | | important details about, for example, how much you |
| Fortunately, modern medicine offers a number of | | | | are allowed to move around after surgery, what |
| excellent procedures for repairing the shoulder after | | | | medications to take, and other details. Don't be afraid |
| injury or illness. | | | | to ask lots of questions. Remember, you are the |
| If you are facing shoulder surgery in the future or have | | | | patient! |
| just gone through it, here are some shoulder surgery | | | | 4. Pick up your meds ahead of time: |
| recovery tips you can put into action right now: | | | | Drop by your local pharmacy and pick up at least a |
| 1. Prepare your home ahead of time: | | | | few weeks' worth of medications before your |
| Once you come home from the hospital, it will be days | | | | surgery. This is a huge time-saver and will make your |
| or weeks before you start re-gaining normal motion of | | | | life much easier. |
| your arm. Therefore, it is wise to do any heavily lifting | | | | 5. Make arrangements with work and with friends: |
| or other labor-intensive preparations before your | | | | Spend a bit of time thinking ahead about the weeks |
| surgery. For example, prepare an easy chair for you | | | | and months following your surgery. Make sure you |
| to sleep in for the first few days, since sleeping in your | | | | have made the proper arrangements before your |
| bed may be out of the question for a while. And, | | | | surgery date with co-workers, friends and family so |
| prepare ice packs, baby powder (for underarm | | | | that the most important things get done without your |
| rashes) and rolled up towels bound with rubber bands | | | | being around. |
| (to prop up your arm) ahead of time. | | | | Going through shoulder surgery is not easy, but by |
| 2. Educate yourself about the expected recovery | | | | taking the proper steps ahead of time, you can have a |
| period: | | | | much faster, much more comfortable recovery. |