Shoulder Physical Therapy
Posted , 5 users are following.
I am nine weeks post arthroscopy shoulder surgery. I have been doing physical therapy for 5 weeks. My PT told me today my range of motion (passive) is almost where it should be. This is simple me laying and her moving my arm while in a relaxed position. Any ideas of how long I can expect to continue therapy? My active range of motion is only about 50% right now. I am doing several exercises right now in therapy. My PT said today that we would soon be focusing on strengthening more. What does this mean? Just trying to get an idea from your experience of how long I can expect to do PT?
Thanks!
0 likes, 3 replies
mike1997 kaysie80717
Posted
Hi Kaysie:
Each surgery is different and the results are also unique. Generally speaking though, I think your stay in physical therapy depends on how long your surgeon, therapist and insurance deems is medically necessary. You sound like you are coming along fine and I know people want to get back to work, activities, etc., but personally speaking, I'd say time in PT is not only necessary, but an investment in your future health.
I spent 9 months in PT for both my right and left shoulder surgeries and you'd be surprised at how much you need to learn about doing the exercises, the importance of ROM, strengthening, etc. And I'm STILL learning and doing those therapy exercises for ROM and strengthening and still improving after near 2 years with my left shoulder surgery and now near 1 year after my right shoulder surgery.
Be patient with yourself and be dedicated in your exercises it is well worth it. Your recovery is dependant on what you do - just as much if not more than - when you are in therapy as when you are not.
henpen1980 kaysie80717
Posted
slow and steady. do your at-home exercises religiously!! best guess at your active rom is why pt says strengthening. nine weeks is still early-what did you have done?
RickCody kaysie80717
Posted
There are generally 4 stages of physical therapy for recovery. Full passive for about the first 2-3 months, then passive assist for another 1-2 months, then full active (meaning no passiveness anymore) for 1-2 months, and eventually active and using weight for resistance. The time frames for physical therapy will vary depending on the severity of the original injury and surgical repair, your age, how much pain you have, and how much effort you make doing the exercises. I would say after about 6 months you should be able to start getting back to a somewhat normal lifestyle. But expect about 12-15 months for a full total pain-free recovery. I was back in the gym lifting light free weights after 6 months, but still with some pain and stiffness. Everyone is different though. You just have to listen to your body. Hang in there.