Is it normal to have pain after shoulder surgery?
February 27, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Eva Ziegler
Dear orthopedic expert,
I am reaching out to you today because after a surgery on my shoulder, I am still experiencing strong pain and I am worried if this is normal. About three months ago, I had an arthroscopy on my right shoulder to treat an impingement syndrome. The surgery went well and my doctor advised me to start physical therapy to regain mobility in my shoulder.
However, I have been experiencing ongoing pain since the surgery, especially during certain movements such as lifting my arm or when I try to lay on the affected shoulder. The pain is sometimes so intense that it restricts me in my daily activities and I wonder if this is normal or if there may be complications.
I am concerned that the pain is not subsiding and that something may not be healing properly. Therefore, I am wondering if this is a normal postoperative symptom or if I should take additional measures to alleviate the pain. Are there specific exercises or medications I can take to reduce the pain and promote healing?
I would greatly appreciate your expert opinion on my situation and would be grateful for any advice or recommendations on how to manage my pain. Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Ingo Hoffmann
Dear Ingo Hoffmann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an orthopedic specialist. I am sorry to hear that you are still experiencing severe pain after your shoulder surgery and are worried about possible complications. It is understandable that you are concerned after such an operation and are longing for pain relief.
After an arthroscopy to treat an impingement syndrome, it is quite normal for patients to experience pain and discomfort, especially in the first few weeks after the procedure. The shoulder is a complex joint and requires time to heal and regenerate. Physical therapy is an important part of postoperative rehabilitation to restore shoulder mobility and stability. However, it is important that the exercises are individualized and do not cause pain.
In your case, if the pain persists and interferes with your daily life, it is advisable to consult your treating physician to determine the cause of the pain. There may be inflammation or irritation in the joint that requires additional measures. Your doctor can perform further examinations to determine if there are any complications and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Regarding pain relief, certain medications such as anti-inflammatory pain relievers (e.g. ibuprofen) can be taken temporarily to reduce pain. However, it is important to take these medications under medical supervision to avoid potential side effects. In addition, specific physiotherapy exercises and techniques can help alleviate pain and promote healing.
I strongly recommend consulting your doctor to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. It is important that you do not struggle with the pain alone and seek professional support. I wish you a speedy recovery and am available to assist you with any further questions.
Best regards,
Eva Ziegler
