How Can I Speed Up My Recovery After Shoulder Surgery?

Now more than ever patients want to get back to their life quickly after shoulder surgery. The good news is that there are several things that can be done to optimize and speed up recovery.

1. Pick an experienced shoulder surgeon

Studies show that more experienced surgeons have fewer complications. They also can often perform shoulder surgery faster, which limits inflammation and therefore length of recovery.

2. Optimize nutrition

Many surgeons just think about surgery, but extensive data indicates that protein supplementation and vitamins such as vitamin C and D can have a positive impact on surgical recovery. Immobilization in a sling leads to loss of muscle mass. This can be offset with increased protein supplementation, particularly with the use of leucine. Vitamin C and D have both been shown to improve tendon healing. There is also evidence that creatine can help improve muscle recovery after surgery. Nutritional optimization should begin prior to surgery.

3. Get sleep

Sleep is essential for your body to recover. This can be difficult after shoulder surgery for several weeks. Have a plan for sleep prior to surgery that includes how you will sleep. A wedge pillow is very helpful. Other considerations include taking magnesium for sleep and using a cold compression unit at night.

4. Follow your rehab

A rehab plan is critical to success. You should have a detailed rehab plan from your surgeon who has good communication with a therapist, or has provided you clear guidelines if you are doing therapy from home. Early rest is often important. In other words, it is often start slow to go faster in the end.

Dr. Patrick Denard has been voted one of the top 20 Shoulder Surgeons in North America, and has been ranked in the top 1% of researchers for shoulder. Dr. Denard is committed to providing the highest level of orthopedic care to his patients, not only from a surgical standpoint, but also by considering the overall picture including avoidance of narcotics, and optimizing nutrition and rehabilitation. With this approach, over 95% of his patients are able to go home the same day of surgery.