Shoulder surgery can be a big step towards relief from pain and improved movement. But what happens when the soreness lingers longer than expected? Feeling discomfort after surgery can be unnerving, and it’s something many people experience. This ongoing pain might leave you wondering about its cause and when it’s time to call in some help.
Understanding when it’s the right moment to see a physiotherapist can be a game-changer in your recovery journey. By identifying common reasons for pain and recognising when expert intervention is needed, you can make informed decisions about your health. Let’s explore some of the reasons your shoulder might still hurt and find out when contacting a physio near you could be the best choice.
Why Is Shoulder Pain Common After Surgery?
Shoulder pain after surgery is quite typical, as your body is healing from the operation. The process of recovery involves managing pain, regaining movement, and repairing tissue. While this is a natural part of healing, some issues might cause discomfort that needs more attention.
1. Postoperative Recovery: After an operation, your body is in overdrive, trying to heal itself. People often feel soreness in the area that was operated on, as it’s a normal reaction. Rest, ice, and prescribed exercises usually ease this pain, but sometimes it can last longer.
2. Factors Contributing to Lingering Pain: Several elements could lead to ongoing soreness. These might include:
– Tissue Healing: Different tissues heal at varied rates. Sometimes the deeper tissues take longer to heal, causing extended pain.
– Scar Tissue: As your body mends, scar tissue may form, leading to stiffness or discomfort.
– Improper Movement: Engaging in certain movements too soon can aggravate healing tissues.
These factors can make it difficult to determine if the pain you feel is typical or if it’s time to seek further help.
Common Causes of Prolonged Shoulder Pain
If pain isn’t responding to normal recovery efforts, understanding possible causes can be crucial:
– Incomplete Healing: In some cases, parts of your shoulder may not have healed as expected, which can lead to persistent discomfort.
– Overuse or Improper Use: Without realising, you might be putting too much strain on your shoulder. Simple actions, when not done correctly, can hinder recovery.
– Secondary Conditions Developing: Sometimes, after surgery, new problems can arise, impacting the shoulder.
– Potential Surgery Complications: On occasion, issues like infections or nerve problems can occur, making recovery tougher than usual.
Knowing these potential causes can help you recognise when it’s wise to consult a physiotherapist. By addressing these issues early, you can take steps towards a smoother recovery.
Signs It’s Time To See A Physio
Recovering from shoulder surgery can take time, but there are certain signs that suggest something might be getting in the way. While a bit of soreness is expected during healing, there’s a point where pain stops being normal and starts affecting your daily life.
Here’s when it’s a good idea to start looking for a physio near you:
– The pain isn’t going away, or it’s getting worse instead of better.
– You’re finding it harder to move your arm around like you used to.
– Your shoulder still feels swollen or stiff weeks after surgery.
– You’re starting to use other parts of your body differently just to avoid moving that arm.
– It’s impacting basic, everyday tasks like putting on a shirt, driving, or reaching overhead.
These signs could mean that the healing process needs a bit more guidance. Ignoring continued pain can sometimes lead to more stress and slower progress. A physio can help figure out what’s holding you back and work alongside you to bring back that strength and movement.
How a Physio Can Help With Shoulder Pain
Getting the right support from a physiotherapist can really change how you recover. A physio will look at how your shoulder is moving, check which muscles are weak or stressed, and create a treatment plan to fit your goals.
Some common methods used to ease shoulder pain include:
– Manual Therapy: Hands-on movement of joints and muscles to help loosen tight areas
– Exercise Physiology: Tailored exercise programs that rebuild mobility and strength wisely
– Hydrotherapy: Gentle water-based therapy, great for reducing load on sore joints
– Stretching and Mobility Work: To prevent long-term stiffness and improve function
The best part? These sessions are guided — you’re not left wondering what to do next or whether you’re doing it right. The physio tracks your progress, adjusts things if needed, and helps you stay on track. Think of it as someone in your corner who knows how to get you feeling better without rushing things. One client once shared how walking their dog used to be painful months after surgery. With regular physio input and tailored exercises, they were soon handling walks comfortably again.
Tips For Finding A Reliable Physio Near You
Finding the right physio can feel a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re still in recovery mode. Here’s what to look for when choosing someone local:
– Check if they’ve worked with post-surgery recovery before. Experience matters with shoulder rehab.
– Make sure they do a thorough assessment, not just a quick chat.
– Look for someone who creates a clear, personal plan — not a one-size-fits-all list of exercises.
– Ask if they offer hands-on techniques as well as guided movement sessions.
– A convenient location counts too. If it’s nearby, like in Belmont, Glendale or Gateshead for instance, it’s easier to stick to appointments.
Taking the time to find someone who listens, adjusts the plan based on your progress, and supports your goals can make a big difference.
Take The First Step To Recovery
Staying in pain after shoulder surgery doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. Sometimes the healing process just needs a little help. If that soreness is sticking around longer than expected or starting to interrupt your daily life, it’s worth talking to someone who can help get you moving again.
Trusting a trained physio to guide your recovery might sound like a simple next step, but it’s one that helps you take back control. Whether you’re trying to get back to work, play sports again, or just carry the shopping bags without pain, getting support can make the path a lot smoother.
If ongoing shoulder pain is slowing you down and you’re not sure what to do next, it might be time to speak with a physio who understands how to guide you through recovery. To start moving forward with support that fits your needs, reach out to Macquarie Physiotherapy and see how working with a physio near you can help get you back on track.
