What to Expect After Shoulder Surgery

Conditions sometimes treated with shoulder surgery include: arthritis, torn labrum, rotator cuff tear, injuries to the acromioclavicular joint, and frozen shoulder. The protocols described here are for general guidance only. Every surgery is different. If you have specific questions regarding your care, please contact us or your doctor. We offer postoperative complimentary consultations by appointment.

Shoulder Therapy: Your doctor may give you a prescription to see a physical therapist, who can help you regain range of motion and strength within safe parameters.

Insurance: Some patients may need advance approval from the insurance company before starting therapy. The office staff at Grand Central Physical & Hand Therapy will assist patients in verifying the number of visits that are allowed.

Wound Care: Your doctor will advise you on when the surgical bandage can be removed. If stitches are present, they will usually be removed in the doctor’s office approximately 10-14 days after surgery.

Swelling: Swelling is very common after surgery.  In addition to the joint that was operated on, nearby joints may also swell. A compression bandage may be used to control swelling. In some cases, your physical therapist can educate you about techniques to reduce swelling.

Pain management: Your doctor may prescribe pain medications, and may refer you to a physical therapist for other methods of pain management, such as stretching, swelling control, rest and/or electric stimulation.

Return to Work: Depending on the structures involved and the surgical procedure used, certain work activities may be restricted.