PT Specialties: PT After Total Shoulder Replacement

Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

Finding Relief & Recovery with Physical Therapy After Total Shoulder Replacement SHOULDERING YOUR RECOVERY

Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

FINDING RELIEF & RECOVERY WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SHOULDERING YOUR RECOVERY

Do you suffer from pain in your shoulder? Have you been told you have severe arthritis and need a shoulder replacement? Total shoulder replacement (i.e., total shoulder arthroplasty, or TSA) is a surgical procedure to replace part or all of the shoulder joint.

Af ter a total shoulder replacement , i t can be challenging to perform daily activities. Fortunately, at PT Specialties, our physical therapist can help guide you through rehabilitation after surgery so you can get back to your everyday life as quickly as possible. Shoulder replacements are a standard procedure that many people undergo, especial ly those suffering from arthritic pain or severely damaged rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder joint . Although they are less common than a knee or hip replacement, according to the APTA, around 65,000 people have shoulder arthroplasties in the U.S. each year. If you have recently had a total shoulder replacement procedure, or you have one planned in the near future, contact PT Specialties today to find out more about how we can help you achieve relief and recovery.

Call Today for Your Appointment 925.417.8005

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I HAD SHOULDER SURGERY — NOW WHAT? Physical Therapy After Total Shoulder Replacement

Preparing before surgery will help keep your shoulder functioning the best you can, so the procedure and the recovery are much smoother. Restoring range of motion and strength following total shoulder replacement is considered critical for a successful outcome post- surgery. Physical therapy that starts early after surgery will offer a more rapid recovery. You will be provided with information on any precautions you should take as your shoulder heals, such as wearing a sling or brace or limiting certain activities. It is important to follow your physical therapist’s guidance to ensure you allow for proper healing and optimal results. Your therapist will teach you how to deal with simple tasks, such as brushing your teeth, getting dressed, getting in and out of bed, and safely removing/putting on your sling. Early on, you will also be taught helpful tips to reduce pain and swelling, such as how to elevate your arm correctly or where to apply ice packs. As your recovery progresses, your exercises will becomemore intensive until the function in your shoulder is fully regained. You will be guided through a serie s of exercises, all aimed at relieving pain, promoting healing, restoring motion and strength to restore your function, and preventing any further damage from occurring. What To Expect At Your Physical Therapy Visits We will start with a post-surgical evaluation that includes checking your wound to ensure no infection has formed. Your therapist will also as k a series of questions to determine your current status and your individual goals. Our physical therapists are movement experts and will help improve your quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed exercises. We use the information gathered in the initial evaluation to develop a comprehensive program that includes targeted manual techniques, mobility work, strengthening, and any appropriate pain relief technique. Rehabilitation should start immediately following surgery to ensure the fastest recovery possible. Once you get your shoulders moving again, there are some exercises you can do on your own, and your physical therapist will provide clear instructions to ensure you have the best possible outcome! Get Your Shoulders Moving Once Again! If you have recently received a total shoulder replacement or need it in the future, contact us today. At PT Specialties, our physical therapists are highly train ed to guide you through pre-hab and post-surgical physical therapy so you can regain your optimal shoulder function!

How Physical Therapy Can Help To ensure the best results following shoulder replacement surgery, it would be in your best interest to participate in both “pre-hab” physical th erapy (therapy before surgery) and post-op physical therapy. The more you prepare before your procedure, the better your recovery. Our therapists can provide you with exercises to ensure you go into surgery with the healthiest shoulder possible. Your physical therapist will create a customized program for you. This may include strengthening of the shoulder, neck, and back muscles. Mobility exercises and posture training may also be part of your pre- surgery program. We will also educate you about what to expect after surgery to prepare you for the procedure.

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DAILY EXERCISES THAT CAN HELP THE SHOULDERS

If you are looking to get started with some safe stretches that are commonly used to help improve your shoulder function, try the following exercises: Across-The-Chest Stretch This exercise helps increase flexibility and range of motion in your shoulder joint and the surrounding muscles. Remember to stop if you feel increasing pain in your shoulder. Start by bringing your right arm up and across your chest with your hand gently resting on your left shoulder, or use your left hand to support your arm by the elbow. Use your left hand to gently press the right arm towards your chest until you feel a stretch in the right shoulder. Hold this position for 20-30 seconds and do 3-5 reps. Repeat on the opposite side. Chest Expansion / Posture Corrections This exercise promotes mobility of the upper back and range of motion in your shoulders. Slouching places the shoulder in a vulnerable position and makes you more susceptible to injury and pain. While standing, hold a strap or towel behind your back with both hands. With control, move your shoulder blades toward each other while lifting your chest/breast bone. Finish by lifting your chin slightly to the ceiling. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat 3–5 times. Doorway Shoulder Stretch This stretch opens your chest and strengthens your shoulders. Stand in a doorway with your elbows and arms forming a 90-degree angle. Step your right foot forward as you press your palms into the sides of the door frame. Lean forward and engage your core. Hold this position for up to 30 seconds. Repeat the stretch with your left foot forward. Do each side 2–3 times. If you are suffering from shoulder pain, don’t wait to find relief. Schedule an appointment with us at Physical Therapy Specialties, and we will help get you in the swing of things!

CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOURAPPOINTMENT 925.417.8005

Patient Spotlights What our patients have to say!

“I’ve had a lot of physical therapy. Lots of physical therapists know what exercise to assign for situations. But given my complex injury history, I need a nuanced whole-body approach. So, I have been very impressed with Caitlin’s 3D spatial reasoning and prioritization. I am also impressed with how she communicates subtleties in fine motor tuning… helping me find the mental pathway to turn on supporting smaller muscles or get systems to work more in concert. Also, in the pool, Shabeeba was great, careful, and thoughtful. I was very happy to have a full hour to actively work on getting better.” - Best Patricia

Improve Your Health In Our WarmWater Therapy Pool!

I ncrease range of motion M ove freely P rotect joints R educe pain O btain cardio fitness V i tal ize muscle strength E nhance flexibility and balance

Pool Therapy and Water Classes Offered Daily. Schedule is on our website.

www.pt-specialties.com COME BACK TO PT Make an appointment today with one of our therapists and get back to the activities you enjoy — pain free! 925.417.8005 Has a New Pain Started? Have you experienced an injury?

Exercise Essentials Try these simple exercises to help keep you loose and pain-free... Share this with a friend or family member to help keep them healthy, too!

Helps strengthen shoulder muscles and relieve pain

LETTER T STRETCH Stand with your back against the wall and your hands in front of your torso. Bring your arms to a “t” flat against thewall and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 5 times. Helps relieve shoulder pain

SHOULDER EXTERNAL ROTATION (CABLE OR BAND)

Standing tall with a folded towel between your body and elbow, clasp a cable or tubing. Bend your elbowwith your hand facing forward, so that your arm extends outward. Keep your elbow close to your body while gently pulling your shoulder blades together. Slowly return to starting position, “fighting” the resistance.

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

Who do you know that needs our help?

Refer a Friend Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following? 9 Move without pain 9 Bend and move freely

9 Balance confidently and securely 9 Sit for long periods comfortably 9 Walk for long distances 9 Live an active and healthy lifestyle

If you know someone suffering from aches and pains give the gift of health. Refer them to Physical Therapy Specialties today. Pass along this newsletter or have them call us directly for a Physical Therapy Consultation.

Call Today! 925.417.8005

DAILY EXERCISES THAT CAN HELP THE SHOULDERS Details Inside.

CALL TODAY! 925.417.8005 3908 Valley Ave., Suite B Pleasanton, CA 94566 INSIDE: • Shouldering Your Recovery • Daily Exercises That Can Help The Shoulders

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• Exercise Essentials • Patient Spotlights