Benefits of Physical Therapy After Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder surgery is often necessary to relieve pain, improve motion, and restore strength.

Shoulder surgery is often necessary to relieve pain, improve motion, and restore strength. While the surgery may successfully achieve these goals, it's essential to understand that physical therapy is fundamental to ensure a full recovery.

Here are the various benefits of physical therapy after shoulder surgery:

Pain management

Following shoulder surgery, pain management is one of the most important benefits of physical therapy.

Through specialized exercises designed by a physical therapist, patients can strengthen their shoulder muscles while decreasing pain levels. Physical therapists teach patients to move their arms without putting too much strain on the muscles.

Other methods, such as heat or ice treatments, may be used along with stretching and low-impact exercises to help manage pain without relying on medications.

Increased range of motion

A physical therapist can assess a patient's current range of motion (ROM) and design exercises to restore standard movement patterns in the joint and surrounding tissue. This helps diminish post-operative stiffness and scarring while promoting flexibility for better mobility.

Exercises can include simple arm circles, stretches for the rotator cuff muscles, or even gentle resistance activities using light weights or elastic bands.

Improved strength and endurance

Physical therapy also helps with improving strength and endurance in the affected area. The goal is to strengthen the muscles around the joints with specific strengthening exercises such as push-ups or overhead presses. This helps patients rebuild their strength without risking further injury or bodily harm.

Preventing injury and re-injury

Physical therapy also helps prevent new injuries and re-injuries after shoulder surgery.

The goal is to work with a physical therapist familiar with one's condition and injury history. This familiarity helps with the smooth adoption of an individualized rehabilitation program focused on posturing and balance training. Proper exercise will reduce the risk of falls or accidents that could erode all the gains made after surgery.

Furthermore, strengthening weak muscle groups will give more stability when performing regular activities. One will not need as much assistance from others when doing daily tasks such as cleaning the house or shopping for groceries. 

Overall health and wellness benefits

Physical therapists provide much more than just improving joint mobility. They also offer holistic education regarding nutrition, lifestyle modifications, and other tips to help promote quicker healing after surgery.

In addition, being active has multiple positive effects that extend beyond the musculoskeletal system. Exercise can reduce stress levels, increase endorphin production, and uplift mood. These benefits are especially pronounced for those recovering from a surgical procedure since regular exercise provides an outlet for stress-relieving physical activity.

Liberated Rehabilitation is a mobile physical therapy service in the Phoenix metro area specializing in fully personalized in-home physical therapy. We provide tailored physical therapy in the home or work setting for faster, better recovery. Call (602)755-2276 to schedule an appointment.