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Pain after Shoulder Surgery Reduced by Half with Physiotherapy

Surgical procedures for the repair or treatment of shoulder problems are fairly common, especially for those who are in the advancing in years. And after each surgical intervention, a patient may have to endure the pain and discomfort for a period of six months to a year. However, post recovery, particularly the relief of pain, may be cut by half by undergoing physiotherapy, as confirmed by a study conducted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Pain and Discomfort Reduced by 50%

Patients who received physiotherapy after the shoulder operations were found to have reduced pain and discomfort by 50 percent, reducing it to three to six months. Full mobility and return of muscle strength were reported after one to two years from date of surgery.

Follow up made eight to eleven years after the surgical procedures indicated that most of the patients had recovered their shoulder function, strength, and mobility. In fact, they all reported regaining their quality of life and were able to go about in their usual activities much like they used to do before the onset of their shoulder problems.

Shoulder Pain Background

A physiotherapist explained that shoulder problems are usually the result of age-related changes in the tissues of the shoulder and which may be aggravated by acute trauma or injuries. This problem may commence once there is a reduction in the available space due to a compression of tendons in the shoulder.

Treatment Options

As much as possible, these conditions should be managed through conservative and non-invasive means such as undergoing physiotherapy and making lifestyle and behavioral modifications. It has been reported that significant improvements and recovery were experienced by a number of patients who underwent regular physical therapy.

It is only when no improvements on the condition are made that surgical options may be seriously considered. This usually involves the enlargement of the space available and repaired the damaged tendons, when necessary. Rotator cuff repair and arthroscopic subacromial decompression are the two most common surgeries performed for shoulder problems.

Importance of Physiotherapy in Pain Management

First-line treatment for the common shoulder problems, as well as many other medical conditions affecting the musculoskeletal systems, has always been the non-invasive physiotherapy. The intention here is to relieve the patient of any pain and discomfort, restore muscular strength and mobility, and allow them to continue with their regular activities at the same level as before the injury.

An excellent treatment for the common shoulder problems, as well as many other medical conditions affecting the musculoskeletal systems, can be non-invasive physiotherapy. The objective of physiotherapy is to relieve the patient of pain and discomfort, restore muscular strength and mobility, and allow them to continue with their regular activities at the same level as before the injury.