For the majority of patients, shoulder surgery is a one-time event that has a major impact on their lives. It may be routine for you, as a healthcare professional, but for patients, the procedure is mired in uncertainty. Anxiety and fear are common. The more you can help prepare them, the more likely they are to have a positive recovery experience. Some of the essential elements of recovering from shoulder surgery are1,2:
- Ample rest to allow healing.
- Proper hydration.
- Physical therapy.
- Shoulder compression sleeves.
- Therapeutic cold and/or heat as appropriate.
