Rehabilitation and Recovery After Shoulder Joint Surgery

Shoulder pain can arise for various reasons. Discomfort in the shoulder joint is often attributed to muscular spasms. However, conditions such as osteoarthritis, injuries, or inflammation can also cause pain in the complex shoulder joint, affecting tendons, ligaments, and bones. Statistics indicate a significant increase in the incidence of acute and chronic shoulder pain.

Injuries and ligament tears are most commonly caused by two factors: degeneration or trauma, either individually or combined.

Degeneration involves the loss of elasticity in ligaments with age, making them weak and prone to developing micro-injuries over time, eventually leading to tears.

Trauma can result in ligament tears due to various situations, such as falls or impacts that render the arm unable to be raised. Falls onto the elbow, extended arm, and similar situations can lead to shoulder ligament tears.

Pain relievers provide temporary relief but cannot address anatomical damage, necessitating consultation with an orthopedic surgeon for a thorough shoulder examination.

Shoulder Surgery

The quickest diagnostic method is ultrasound (US). An experienced specialist can assess shoulder injuries, but only magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) can provide a comprehensive analysis of the problem. The earlier you consult a doctor, the lower the risk of potential complications.

The need and urgency of shoulder surgery depend on the precise diagnosis from a shoulder specialist and the disease's progression. In Switzerland, shoulder surgeries are performed using minimally invasive (arthroscopic) and open surgical methods. В Швейцарии операции на плече выполняются с использованием малоинвазивных (артроскопических) и открытых хирургических методов.

• In open surgery, the doctor makes an incision in the skin, providing a clear view of the operation site.

• For arthroscopic procedures, a minimal incision of 0.5-1 cm is sufficient. The surgeon introduces small tubes a few millimeters in diameter into the joint. Through these devices, the doctor can insert a camera and other small surgical instruments into the joint, directing them along tendons, bones, and cartilage surfaces.

The advantage of arthroscopic surgery is the elimination of the need for large incisions in the skin, soft tissues, and other structures to obtain a good view of the operative field. 

Recovery and Rehabilitation

To prevent the repaired ligament from tearing, the shoulder should not move, so the arm must be immobilized in a brace for about 4-6 weeks (depending on the extent of the surgery). Pain may persist for up to 3-4 months.

After 4-6 weeks, physiotherapy should be initiated under the supervision of a specialist.

After these six weeks, the patient can start light activities (e.g., driving), and after two and a half months, they can engage in office work. 

However, complete recovery after shoulder joint replacement typically takes about six months, and returning to an excellent condition and resuming the previous lifestyle may require 6 to 12 months.