Pre-hab for Shoulder Surgery: Regain Your Range

Mike (not his real name) had recently torn his rotator cuff severely enough that he needed to undergo surgery to repair it. Mike was a football player and wanted to maximize his recovery as much as possible to ensure a speedy (and safe) return to play. That’s why he opted for shoulder surgery pre-hab.

Pre-hab for shoulder surgery involves personalized exercises to enhance shoulder strength and flexibility. This targeted approach helps to prepare your muscles and joints for the upcoming procedure. The physiotherapists at The Sports Clinic design these exercises to fit your specific needs, making sure you build up the right areas without causing additional stress.

Mike spent six weeks in pre-hab and found the process worth the effort. We want to share his story so you can have a better idea of what to expect from shoulder surgery pre-hab. Keep reading to learn more–or call our clinic if you’d like more personalized guidance!

Meet Mike: Why Did He Choose Pre-Hab for Shoulder Surgery?

When Mike started pre-hab, he was experiencing fairly severe pain, especially when he was trying to sleep at night. He could also barely use his arm due to shoulder weakness and instability.

While his surgery would resolve these symptoms, he knew he would still need to undergo extensive post-surgical rehabilitation to ensure the best outcomes. When he learned that pre-surgical rehabilitation could essentially give him a head start on that process, he jumped at the chance.

Mike’s Shoulder Surgery Pre-Hab Experience

Mike attended pre-hab physiotherapy sessions twice a week. We started him with gentle stretches to maintain his shoulder’s mobility and help reduce some of his pain. These sessions included passive range of motion exercises where the therapist moved Mike’s arm for him, ensuring the muscles stayed limber without straining the injury.

We also utilized treatment modalities, such as ultrasound and laser therapy, to further help with pain management. These interventions made it easier for Mike to perform his mobility exercises and the activation movements we used to help him start working on strengthening his rotator cuff.

While Mike was already an active individual with a high fitness level, we wanted to ensure he was in the best shape possible for his surgery. High-level workouts were out of the question, but light jogging and cycling weren’t. We helped MIke switch up his training routine so he could maintain his cardiovascular fitness–a crucial factor in achieving a good surgical outcome.

We didn’t just help Mike with exercise and pain management, however. We also informed him of what to expect from his post-surgical rehabilitation. We showed him how to use the shoulder sling he would need in the first few weeks after surgery and had him practice his early rehabilitation exercises.

So, What Did Mike Think of Pre-Hab?

The benefits of shoulder surgery pre-hab were clear for Mike. By the time his surgery date arrived, he had less pain and better shoulder function. His surgery went off without a hitch, and he was ready to start rehabilitation as soon as he was able.

What Mike learned is that pre-hab isn’t just about preparing your body for surgery; it’s about setting the stage for a smoother, more efficient recovery. If, like Mike, you’re facing shoulder surgery, consider the benefits of pre-hab to help you regain your range and return to your daily activities faster.

Ready to see how shoulder surgery pre-hab can make a difference for you? Schedule an appointment with the Sports Clinic physiotherapists today!