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If you are suffering from shoulder pain, physiotherapy is a safe bet to regain the lost range of motion of the shoulder and its optimum function.  It will also speed up your return to normal day-to-day life.  The therapist may use various modalities to ameliorate your pain and improve the function of the muscles; it may include a few shoulder exercises.  However, if the pain persists, you may have to see an orthopedic and sometimes, a surgery may be the solution to correct your problem.  In a shoulder arthroscopy, surgical instruments are inserted to your shoulder through small portals.  The risk of infection can be done away with these tiny holes.  Arthroscopy also provides rapid healing and faster return to daily activities.

There are different shoulder arthroscopic surgeries.  Some of them are rotator cuff repair, labrum repair, subacromial decompression, distal resection of the clavicle etc.  In order to achieve full benefit of an arthroscopic surgery, proper rehabilitation is as important as the surgery.  The principal aim of rehabilitation after surgery is to improve the range of motion of the shoulder and strength, lessening pain and enhancing the overall function of the injured shoulder.

The patient is supposed to wear a shoulder sling for one to two weeks post the surgery.  Utmost care must be taken to maintain good postural positioning when performing all the exercises.  All active rehabilitation exercises should be done under proper supervision of physician or physiotherapist to minimize any untoward incident.  On week one, you may be required to visit your doctor to change dressing and review home exercise program.  You are permitted to do passive range of motion in all planes as tolerated.  It is wise to adopt a step-by-step shoulder arthroscopy rehab exercise regime to achieve a smooth and successful rehab.  You are supposed to do rehabilitative shoulder exercise for at least six to eight weeks post an arthroscopic shoulder surgery to gain maximum benefit.

Make sure you consult your doctor before embarking on these exercises or any other forms of rehabilitation program for your shoulders to ensure that you are fit and safe to do.

Scapular stabilization exercise:

This exercise provides stability around your shoulder joint.  Our shoulder joint comprises articulation between our clavicle, scapula and upper bone.  In order to have proper shoulder and arm function, all three must move in tandem.  This exercise can be done by lying on your stomach and lifting your arm out to the side, up overhead, and then by pulling your arm down to your hip.  Make sure you stop doing this exercise if you feel any pain or discomfort in your neck or shoulder area.

Pendulum exercises:

This type of exercise is also called Codman’s exercises.  It is a simple and effective way to relax your shoulder muscles after surgery.  The pendulum exercise gently mobilizes your shoulder joint.  It can be the initial step to getting your shoulder range of motion back after the arthroscopic shoulder surgery.  Move in slow and steady circles.  Stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.

Steps to do this exercise:

1. Bend over at the waist. Let the injured arm hang down at your side
2. Gently tilt your body back and forth using the weight of the arm and force of gravity to produce small circles at the shoulder on which you have the surgery.
3. Use this method to mobilize your arm in clockwise and anti-clockwise circles.

Believe it or not, it is also a smart way to get your arm away from your torso to apply deodorant!

Resisted rotator cuff exercise:

This is a form of rehabilitation exercise that you can perform once your shoulder started moving post surgery.  You need resistance band or light weights to perform this exercise.  This can resume the shoulder function and speed up your overall recovery process.  However, this exercise is generally not performed earlier than three to four weeks post the arthroscopic procedure.  This exercise consists of moving the shoulder in flexion, extension, abduction, and internal/external rotation against the resistance of the band or light weights.  You ought to perform each motion ten to fifteen minutes.  Your physiotherapist can show you the proper way to carry out this rehabilitation exercise.

 Isometric exercise:

It is a safe way to kick start functioning of rotator cuff muscles working post surgery.  Isometric refers to contracting the muscles around your shoulder.

Steps to do this exercise:

1. Stand sideways against a wall by keeping the elbow at 90° angle
2. Outside of the forearm needs to be positioned against the wall
3. Press into the wall by contracting your muscles (make sure not to move your shoulder)
4. Hold for five seconds and do it at least five times
5. Repeat steps a to d

Remember, while doing isometric exercise, your intention is not to crush the wall, just press the arm gently and don’t hesitate to stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.

There is no shortcut to achieve complete rehabilitation post an arthroscopic shoulder surgery, the intention is to slowly and gradually getting your shoulder moving.  Maintaining the gains achieved through rehabilitative exercise is very important for sustained functioning of the affected shoulder. Your doctor or physiotherapist can show you what to do to maintain your gains once you are fully healed.  Continuing the exercise protocol prescribed by the doctor or physio can prevent future problems with your shoulders.  If need be your doctor or physiotherapist can devise a specialized rehabilitation program after arthroscopic shoulder surgery.

For enquiries related to Shoulder Pain, Neck Pain, Back Pain or Shoulder Injuries, send a message to www.BangaloreShoulderInstitute.com/contact