Treatment after surgery
Of course, surgery for shoulder arthrosis results in tissue damage and irritation. Even though we try to keep these injuries to a minimum, severe swelling and pain in the shoulder area must be expected, especially in the first days after the operation. For this purpose, the patient is provided with antirheumatic drugs such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs such as Ibuprofen or Novalgin).
Furthermore, the patient can relieve the pain and promote the reduction of the swelling by short cooling intervals of 2-3 minutes. In addition, the physiotherapeutic post-operative treatment begins just a few days after the operation and can gently combat the swelling in the tissue through manual lymph drainage, which helps to reduce pain. When the arm is mobilized, pain is taken into account, especially at the beginning of the post-operative treatment. In addition to medication and physiotherapy, a movement splint can also be used during post-operative treatment. Control X-rays and examinations by the doctor to check the results of the operation are also part of the post-treatment after shoulder surgery.
Prognosis
The prognosis for shoulder arthrosis depends on many individual factors. Was the arthrosis treated with conservative therapies or was an operation necessary? In general, the sooner therapy is started, the better the prognosis.
Arthrosis cannot be cured, but its progression and symptoms can be limited by conservative or surgical measures. With conservative treatment, activated arthrosis (acute inflammation) can lead to recurrent and severe inflammation. Depending on the professional activity, the arthrosis can lead to short-term sick leave.
Some activities, such as overhead work or heavy lifting, may no longer be possible, so that incapacity to work should be considered. After an operation, a sick leave of several weeks can be expected. It is difficult to give general details, as the healing process and the ability to work depends very much on the conditions under which the individual finds himself.
