Rehabilitation of Shoulder Injuries and Post-Surgery Patients After Fixation Removal

The rehabilitation of shoulder injuries is a familiar challenge for many, as the shoulder joint plays an important role in everyday movement. Trauma affecting the shoulder not only causes a painful condition but can also leave a feeling of discomfort during the healing process. The most important considerations during rehabilitation are gradualness and gentleness, as the extent of movement is determined by pain. Affected individuals must be aware that regular exercise is essential for successful recovery.

Taking the first steps towards healing is not always easy, but with the right techniques and gradual loading, faster results can be achieved. In addition to following medical guidance, it is worth considering the help of a physiotherapist who can recommend personalized exercises. If this is not possible, the simple exercises presented below can also aid in rehabilitation.

To gently mobilize the shoulder joint and alleviate pain, it is advisable to first apply cold therapy. Using ice gel or frozen peas can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It is important to always apply cooling with a layer of clothing in between and not to keep it on the skin for more than 10 minutes.

The Basics of Rehabilitation

During rehabilitation, the first step is to stabilize the injured limb. Use the healthy arm to support the injured arm, as if holding a baby. This exercise allows for gentle movement of the injured arm while providing support. Start by leaning forward and letting your arms hang down, as gravity assists in the movement and gently stretches the muscles. This exercise can also be performed while sitting in a chair.

Another useful technique is to lean sideways and let your arms hang, allowing free movement of the injured limb. Additionally, using a large exercise ball can be beneficial: place your hand on the ball and roll it back and forth. At first, you can use the ball on the ground, then gradually raise its height as your movement improves.

During the exercises, it is advisable to make circles with the ball to increase the range of motion of the shoulder joint. You can also use a gas pipe or a wall bars setup, through which a roll of bandage can be passed. This allows the healthy arm to lift the injured arm while protecting the shoulder and keeping it in gentle motion.

Gradual Introduction of Movement

During rehabilitation, it is important to always perform exercises with consideration of the pain threshold. The next step is extending and flexing the elbow, which can be done with the help of the healthy arm. Additionally, raising the arms sideways is beneficial, as well as performing breaststroke movements to strengthen the shoulder muscles.

Sit down in a chair and support your back. With clasped hands, you can perform forward circular movements, which also strengthens the muscles around the shoulder. Furthermore, movements can be performed using a broom handle; you can make circles forward and backward while lifting both ends of the broom handle, following the movement with your eyes.

As rehabilitation progresses and your arm becomes more agile, it is worth starting to return to everyday activities. Cleaning, vacuuming, or even window washing can also serve as useful exercises for strengthening the injured shoulder.

During rehabilitation, perseverance and consistency are key. Small steps and gradual loading help ensure that our shoulder joint regains its full functionality as soon as possible.