The shoulder is a complex joint because of its multi-directional movement. Recovery is essential for returning to normal as quickly as possible if a shoulder surgery takes you out of the game temporarily. It’s normal for you to wonder when you can resume working out following an arthroscopic surgery. This will help in making the recovery less overwhelming.
A responsible surgeon will explain the procedure and the recovery timeline following an arthroscopic surgery. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by proven board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Passive Range of Motion – Week 0 to Week 4
The physical therapist will move the arm without your help in passive range of motion. The first month is an incredibly boring period for most patients. You won’t be performing any functional or active movements. Pertaining to this, you should stick with the passive range of motion schedule. Don’t hurry yourself without the doctor’s permission. Pendulum exercise is commonly performed during the passive phase.
Active Assisted Range of Motion – Week 4 to Week 8
Your therapist will need your active assistance in moving the arm during this time. The purpose during this period is to reintroduce the scapular muscle recruitment and rotator cuff. Patients will be provided with a set of pulleys that hooks at the top of the door.
Active-assisted range of motion can be performed at home using the good arm for pulling through the pulley. This is a painful phase. You need to remain motivated and stick to the therapy schedule if you want to start working out quickly.
Active Range of Motion – Week 8 to Week 12
Patients are cleared for shoulder motion by most doctors without any assistance after 8 – 9 weeks. With that said, it’s crucial that you take things slow like with any new activity. You won’t have full, unrestricted motion immediately.
In most patients, the head of the humerus bone rides upwards to restrict motion. This is because the rotator cuff muscles don’t have complete control of the shoulder. You should continue moving within that part of range that appears controlled. Over a period of time, you will notice improvements.
Light Resistive Exercise – Week 12 to Week 16
Patients that are in the 3-month post-operative mark are at a point where they can start with light-resistance exercises. Don’t make the amateur and common mistake of adding too much too soon. You should slowly work your way up by adding very light resistance in the first week. Use light handheld weights and elastic bands at this stage.
Weight Training and Resistance Exercises – Week 16 and Beyond
Majority of younger patients start a light gym routine after being in 4 months of rehab. It’s not a judicious idea to stack heavy weights on a shoulder that is freshly rehabilitated. You should listen to your body and take your time. Undue haste may only prolong the recovery period.
Accomplished board-certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for safe and proven orthopedic surgery procedures.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
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Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada