How To Care For Patients After Rotator Cuff Surgery?

What Is Rotator Cuff Surgery?

Rotator cuff surgery is a surgical procedure performed to repair the existing damage to the muscles or tendons of the rotator cuff.

Rotator cuff is an anatomical structure which is comprised of 4 muscles viz. subscapularis, teres minor, supraspinatus and infraspinatus and their respective tendons.It forms a cuff around the shoulder that provides structural and tensile support to the shoulder joint.

Rotator cuff surgery usually involves accessing the damaged portion of the cuff using minimally invasive techniques and repairing the muscular tear or tendon degeneration along with removal of tissue debris.

For more details about procedure of rotator cuff surgery in Mumbai choose the best orthopedic hospital in the city.

 

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

The outcome of post-surgical recovery depends largely on the type of medical care patients receive and precautions followed. Recovery is relatively faster if arthroscopic method is used for the surgery. Undergo arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery in Mumbai under the guidance of the some of the best orthopedic surgeons. Some of the most important points to be remembered by patients who have undergone rotator cuff surgery are highlighted below:

 

  • Physiotherapy

 

Physiotherapy helps to improve strength and functioning of the shoulder muscles after rotator cuff surgery. Through various techniques like massage, exercises, electro-stimulation etc. physiotherapists help to restore normal function and movement of the shoulder joint. Neglecting physiotherapy sessions could lead to hampered shoulder joint movements.

 

  • Medicinal Therapy

It is common to experience localized pain and swelling around the shoulder after rotator cuff surgery. These symptoms are known to subside within a few days or weeks after surgery. In order to reduce these symptoms, patients are often prescribed pain relief medicines, steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs etc. These medicines not only help to curb local symptoms but also hasten post-operative recovery by stimulating the tissue to heal faster.

 

  • Regular Follow Up

Patients may be required to stay back at the hospital for a few days after rotator cuff surgery till the primary recovery occurs. Even after getting a discharge from the hospital they are expected to return to the doctor for follow ups at regular intervals. This helps the doctor to assess post-surgical progress and detect the presence of any health complication, which can be then treated promptly.

 

  • Controlled Shoulder Movements

Rotator cuff surgery helps to improve shoulder movement and range of motion. However, it is not advisable to resume vigorous or strenuous shoulder movements soon after surgery. Patients should proceed with caution and refrain of over straining their operated shoulder till the time complete muscular strength has not resumed.

 

  • Controlled Physical Activity

It is best to avoid physical activity like pushing or moving heavy furniture, lifting heavy buckets of water or other heavy objects, performing high intensity shoulder exercises etc. for some duration after rotator cuff surgery. Over straining the operated shoulder joint may lead to complications like delayed healing, ruptured tendon, muscle tear, bleeding within the shoulder joint etc.

 

Completion of surgery does not imply end of medical treatment. Post-surgical care may be needed for a few weeks to months after the surgery depending on patient’s health. Following all precautions will ensure that there is no recurrence of rotator cuff complaints in the future. Consult with the top shoulder specialists in Mumbai for a hassle free surgery and easy post-surgical recovery.

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