Are you suffering from chronic shoulder pain? If so, then you might have a frozen shoulder. It can be painful and make everyday tasks a struggle.
Frozen shoulder surgery can reduce pain and get you back to doing what you love. If you’re curious about the details of this surgery and how it can help you, keep reading. In this guide, we’ll explain the nature of a frozen shoulder and give a broad overview of what to expect from the surgery.
Diagnosing and Treating Frozen Shoulder
Before this orthopedic surgery, the patient must be diagnosed by a qualified health professional. Diagnosis begins with a physical examination and may lead to specific imaging tests. It includes X-rays or an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and identify other problems.
Surgery involves manipulating the tissue around the shoulder to reduce pain. Follow-up care may include physical therapy to help the patient improve motion.
The patient can expect that the process may take several weeks or months. After recovery, they should regain their full range of motion and function with the shoulder.
Understanding the Frozen Shoulder Procedure
Generally speaking, the surgery is minimally invasive and begins with anesthetic and pain relief before the incision is made. Then, the surgeon will remove any scar tissue in the shoulder before manipulating and releasing the joint capsule.
After that, the surgeon may manipulate the joint further or fix it with metal stabilizers as needed. At the end of the procedure, the doctor will close up the incision with stitches and finish with a bandage to complete the recovery process.
After surgery, your shoulder may be sore and swollen for a few days, but you should expect to be able to move it more freely. With proper care, your shoulder should be pain-free and return to the standard shoulder range of movement.
The Recovery and Post-Surgery Care
The initial post-operative period involves wearing a shoulder sling. You should expect pain and discomfort for the first six weeks while healing occurs.
Pain relief will come from over-the-counter drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen. You can also use a cold pack to reduce swelling and increase comfort.
Physical therapy will also be necessary for 4-6 weeks to help regain range of motion and strength. Healing usually takes about 4-6 months, depending on the extent of the injury.
You should follow physical therapy appointments during this time to ensure maximum recovery. Most patients return to their normal activities with no residual pain or discomfort.
It’s essential to follow the advice of your doctor. You should also complete post-surgical physical therapy for the best long-term outcome.
Understanding Frozen Shoulder Surgery
Frozen shoulder surgery can be a successful treatment for restoring the range of motion and eliminating pain in the shoulder joint. While results can vary from person to person, proper pre-and post-operative care, along with an experienced orthopedic surgeon, can improve the chances of a smooth recovery. If you’re considering shoulder surgery, talk with your doctor about whether it’s right for you.
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