How long is the hospital stay after surgery?

As a rule, a stay in hospital of 5 to 10 days is to be assumed, depending on the individual healing process and will be assessed by the treating physician. Stitches can be removed after the operation by the family doctor or, in the case of subsequent treatment, on the ward.

OP after-treatment/painkiller

In the follow-up treatment shortly after the operation, the focus is on early mobilization, pain relief and reduction of swelling. In most cases, the operated arm is carried in an arm sling or an abduction pillow is also used. Already on the 2nd day after the operation, physiotherapy begins with light relaxation and movement exercises.

Rehab usually lasts 3-4 weeks, followed by further outpatient physiotherapy twice a week. This is very important for improving mobility, muscle strength and coordination and thus for the success of the therapy. You will find detailed information on the topic of “Shoulder TEP pain” in this article.

Adequate pain medication is also part of a successful therapy and important for a good prognosis, as the shoulder joint is repeatedly irritated during therapy. Prescribed pain medications include NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, which have an anti-inflammatory effect in addition to their analgesic action. For very severe pain, pure painkillers such as novamine sulfone or tramadol can also be used in the short term, but for long-term therapy none of the above-mentioned drugs should be used. Are you looking for further information on pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory drugs?

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy, a shoulder TEP, plays a very important role in post-treatment. During the 3-4 weeks of rehabilitation, different therapies take place every day, such as individual and group therapy, training on the machine or in the water and physical therapy with massages or cold and heat applications. The aim is to strengthen the muscles surrounding the shoulder, improve coordination and the use of the operated arm in everyday life and at work.

The aim is to achieve good functionality of the shoulder with the greatest possible range of movement, while at the same time freedom from pain is a major goal of the therapy.However, it should be remembered that the surgical area is very sensitive to external stimuli, so pain during movement and sore muscles after the exercises cannot always be completely avoided, but in no case do they have a negative effect on the healing process. After the rehabilitation, the physiotherapy can be continued, if possible twice a week, according to the doctor’s prescription. The healing and training process with a shoulder TEP can take several months, and a good result is best achieved when the therapist and patient work together in a committed manner to improve mobility and strength.

This also includes exercises for home use, which the therapist should give to the patient and which the patient can perform independently over a longer period of time. The articles “Lymphatic drainage” and “Manual lymphatic drainage” may also be of interest to you in this regard. You will find extensive information on this topic in the article: Shoulder prosthesis – physiotherapy and aftercare

To support the healing of wounds
To reduce the swelling
To slowly increase the existing mobility
To train the body feeling with the operated arm