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Shoulder debridement surgery is a medical procedure where damaged, infected, or inflamed tissues in the shoulder joint are removed. This is a minimally invasive procedure that is carried out arthroscopically to repair the affected joint. It is best for treating injuries caused by accidents or joint weakening because of old age, including the filling of bone spurs.

Importance of Rehabilitation after shoulder debridement surgery

Shoulder debridement surgery reduces pain and enhances mobility, but rehabilitation after shoulder debridement surgery is important for complete and fast recovery. After the surgery, rehabilitation helps regain the shoulder’s motion, function, and strength. It usually starts immediately after the surgery. The initial step is immobilizing the shoulder joint using a sling or brace for a certain period of time decided by the surgeon. This assists in reducing inflammation and promotes rapid healing. 

What is done during rehabilitation after shoulder debridement surgery?

While the first phase of healing in rehabilitation progresses, the patient might start performing a light range of motion exercises to maintain flexibility and prohibit shoulder joint stiffness. Then it moves to various strengthening exercises that help in the restoration of muscle function and enhance the stability of the shoulder joint.

Common exercises practiced in shoulder debridement rehabilitation are

Pendulum exercise

The arm is swung in a circular motion by keeping the torso stagnant. This assist in enhancing the range of motion and decreasing joint stiffness.

Squeezing shoulder blade

In this exercise, the shoulder blade is squeezed together and is held on for some seconds before relaxing. This assists in strengthening the muscles present between your shoulder blades and also in enhancing good postures.

External rotation

In this exercise, the arm is rotated in an outward direction from the body by keeping elbows close towards the side. This assists in strengthening the rotator cuff muscles and enhances stability in your shoulder joint.

Scapular retraction exercises

In this exercise, the shoulder blades are squeezed while holding it for seconds before you release it. This assists in strengthening the muscles between your shoulder blades and enhances posture.

Shoulder shrugging exercise

In this exercise, the shoulder is lifted towards the ears and held for some seconds before freeing. This assists in enhancing mobility and strengthening muscles around the shoulder joint.

Physical and occupation therapy in a rehabilitation program after shoulder debridement surgery

In addition to physical therapy, there are some other rehabilitation practices like aquatic therapy and occupational therapy that benefit a lot. Occupational therapy assists individuals in regaining functions and freedom in carrying out daily activities, and aquatic therapy involves exercises with a low impact that enhances motion and decreases pain.

Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regime and following all pain management protocols for fast recovery are vital. With the right care and proper rehabilitation, most individuals can regain mobility and return to daily activities fewer days after surgery. But the recovery process and how long rehabilitation will extend is different for all persons, and it depends on their surgery extent and their fitness level.

Conclusion

Rehabilitation after shoulder debridement surgery is important for complete and fast recovery. It is important to follow the physician’s advice, attend all physical therapy sessions and take an active role in the recovery process to regain complete mobility and recover fully quickly.

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