Aftercare after surgery

From the first postoperative day, physiotherapy begins with passive movement and loosening exercises to move and maintain the mobility of the shoulder. In some cases, a motor-driven movement splint is also used, which passively moves the operated arm. In most cases, the arm is carried in an arm sling in the time between the treatments, in which the arm is spread slightly to the side.

This prevents the joint capsule from sticking and prevents the shoulder from losing mobility. Physiotherapy can usually be started 4-6 weeks after the operation.During therapy, movement, strengthening and stretching exercises are performed, and the patient is also given a program for independent practice at home. In addition, physical therapy with heat or massage applications can promote blood circulation and relieve muscle tension.

Medication after surgery

After the operation, anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac can be used temporarily. The anti-inflammatory effect of these drugs can alleviate overheating of the skin and redness of the surgical area. For stronger pain, painkillers such as Novalgin can also be used. The intake of opioids such as dihydrocodeine or morphines is not necessary in most cases and is not recommended due to the strong side effects. Which painkillers are suitable should be discussed with the attending physician or family doctor.

Exercises after surgery

When choosing exercises after an operation, it is decisive which extent of movement has been allowed by the doctor and in which healing phase the patient is in. 1) Sawing Position yourself at the side of the bed or a chair and hold on to it with your non-affected arm. Angle the other arm at about 90° and tilt your upper body slightly towards the arm.

Then make movements forward and backward as if you were holding a saw in your hand. Be sure to use the full range of motion of the shoulder. 2) Shoulder circles Stand upright in the room and describe large circles forward and backward with your shoulders.

If this is possible without pain, try to enlarge the shoulder circles a little with bent elbows. 3) Exercise on the wall Stand with your face against a wall and place both hands against the wall. Then crawl up the wall with both hands until you feel a stretching pain in the affected shoulder.

Hold the stretch for about 30 seconds and then let your arm sink down again in a relaxed position. Repeat this exercise 3 times. More stretching exercises for the shoulder can be found here: Stretching exercises for the shoulder