Patient/caregiver was instructed on measures to promote safety and reduce the workload during immediate post-surgical phase as follows:
- Certain arrangements and minor modifications can help improve safety, reduce the effort and workload for individuals during immediate phase of shoulder replacement surgery.
- Your surgeon could recommend use of sling for a few weeks to support the shoulder during the immediate phase of post shoulder replacement surgery. Sling helps to reduce the pull on the shoulder joint due to the weight of the limb, supports & stabilizes the joint, and contributes to pain control & healing. Observe compliance with use of sling for the recommended duration to better support the surgical shoulder.
- Limitations could be imposed with regards to weightbearing on the shoulder in the immediate phase of post-shoulder replacement surgery. Check with your surgeon for any weightbearing limitations in your case and observe compliance with the recommendations made.
- Do not overdo on your exercises during rehab. This can compromise the integrity and dislodge the newly replaced shoulder joint. Check with your therapist on your limitations for exercising the replaced shoulder and comply with the recommendations made. Follow the therapist guidelines to help slowly and safely increase the intensity of exercise.
- Do not flex or bend the shoulder beyond the limitations of your rehab. This can compromise the integrity and dislodge the newly replaced shoulder joint. The general rule is to avoid any activities involving bringing the shoulder up higher than the level of head. Check with your therapist on your limitations for flexing or bending the replaced shoulder and comply with the recommendations made.
