When recovering from an injury or surgery, especially reverse shoulder replacement surgery, listening to your body and taking things slowly is important. But at a certain point, you will likely be eager to resume your favorite leisure activities that bring joy and fulfillment to your life.
After all, engaging in your favorite activities is crucial in restoring a sense of normalcy and well-being. However, it’s essential to do so in a way that prioritizes your health and safety.
Here are some tips to safely resume your hobbies after recovery from a major surgery like reverse shoulder replacement surgery.
Tip #1 Wait for Approval from Your Shoulder Replacement Surgeon
Before jumping back into any activity, it is important to wait for clearance from your surgeon. If you are recovering from a major surgery like reverse shoulder replacement surgery, your surgeon will know best when you can resume any leisure activities or hobbies.
It is important to remember that every person has a unique timeline when it comes to recovery from shoulder replacement surgery, so you should not compare yourself with others who may have already resumed their activities.
Your surgeon will assess your shoulder condition and guide you on the duration or frequency of any activity you resume.
Tip #2 Start Slowly
After your recovery, gradually build up your activity level. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your activities over time. You might experience setbacks, but it is important to keep going slowly.
Tip#3 Begin with Low-impact Activities
It’s also recommended to start with low-impact activities, especially in the initial stages of recovery. Low-impact activities like reading or light knitting are great to begin with.
You can gradually increase your activity level after getting your surgeon’s approval. If you suffer any discomfort during any activity, it is important to stop and bring it to your doctor’s attention.
Incorporating warm-ups and cool-downs into your routine is also recommended to prevent soreness, stiffness, or re-injury.
Tip #4 Use Protective Gear
Wearing appropriate protective gear can help prevent injuries and ensure a safe return to your favorite activities. It’s also important to use sports or exercise gear that is properly fitted.
For instance, when resuming weightlifting or other weight-bearing hobbies, wear a properly fitted weightlifting suit to reduce the load on your shoulder joint and minimize the risk of injury.
Tip #5 Listen to Your Body
Listening to your body is one of the most important steps in getting back to your normal activities safely. Be aware of any pain, discomfort, or fatigue that you may be experiencing.
If you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms or your body tells you to take a break, don’t hesitate to do so.
Pushing yourself too hard too soon can hinder your recovery progress.
Tip #6 Modify Activities as Needed
In some cases, you may need to modify your activities to avoid further injury or stress. For instance, you might need to switch to lighter weights when lifting weights, or you might need to use assistive equipment when gardening or other activities that involve a lot of repetitive movement.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Recovery in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, Florida
Reverse shoulder replacement (RSR) is a surgical procedure often performed on patients who have suffered from irreparable rotator cuff damage or arthritis in their shoulder joint. Resuming hobbies after recovery from reverse shoulder replacement might seem daunting, but it can be an important part of the healing process with the right preparation.
At Advanced Orthopedic Center, our shoulder surgeon, Dr. Robert Stchur, performs more than 1000 shoulder surgeries each year with successful outcomes. He guides patients on every step of the surgery and recovery to ensure their recovery is smooth and they enjoy the best possible outcomes.
If you want to know more about Dr. Stchur or to schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Stchur, call us today at (941) 629-6262 or click here.
