Like most procedures, shoulder surgery is typically seen as a last-resort option for injuries affecting the shoulder joint. This is because surgery by its nature is a highly invasive treatment that involves an incision, soft tissue disruption, blood loss and risk of complications. Because of this, shoulder surgery can very often require an extended recovery period before patients can return to full activity and range of motion. 

However, for patients who need to return to work as quickly as possible or who just want to resume an active lifestyle, a long recovery isn’t always practical or desirable. To give yourself the best chance of as safe and speedy a recovery as possible, it is critical to follow the post-surgical instructions provided to you by your surgeon. A fundamental piece to this typically involves physical therapy. 

To help you better understand the benefits of undergoing physical therapy after shoulder surgery with a licensed and trained professional, we’re sharing the following overview. You can always feel free to contact our knowledgeable staff with any questions or to learn more about our treatment options. 

Benefits of physical therapy after shoulder surgery

Whether you start seeing a physical therapist before or after your undergo your procedure, after an initial evaluation, you can expect your sessions to consist of a combination of treatments including exercises and manual therapies. By working consistently on your physical therapy program, both in and out of the clinic, you can achieve these goals: 

1. A stronger shoulder — After surgery, your shoulder needs to recover not only from the procedure, but also from months and sometimes years of being injured. Strengthening exercises can help to stabilize the area and improve function. 
2. Better range of motion — From targeted stretches to joint mobilization, increasing flexibility is a primary goal of post-surgical rehabilitation. 
3. A quicker healing process — While rest is important, being sedentary is the enemy of healing. Physical therapy gets blood flowing, breaks up bundles of damaged tissue and gets muscles working again. 

An essential part of physical therapy for shoulder surgery is finding a therapist you can build a productive relationship with. At Franklin Rehab, we have a friendly and highly skilled team who prides ourselves on compassionate and highly individualized care. 

Learn more about physical therapy after shoulder surgery

If you’ve undergone or are planning to undergo shoulder surgery, we can be there to help you have the best chance of a successful recovery. Schedule your initial appointment when you contact us today.