Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation
Your Recovery Is Just as Important as Your Surgery
At Midwest Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal Alliance (MOMA), we believe that successful shoulder surgery is only the beginning of your journey. A carefully planned rehabilitation program is essential to restore motion, strength, function, and confidence.
Our team works closely with you every step of the way, creating an individualized recovery plan based on your procedure, your goals, and your lifestyle. Whether you’re hoping to return to work, sports, or simply everyday activities without pain, we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
Specialized Physical Therapy
One of the greatest advantages of receiving care through MOMA is access to our extensive network of highly trained physical and occupational therapists. Our therapists specialize in the rehabilitation of shoulder injuries and shoulder surgery, allowing them to provide expert guidance throughout every phase of recovery.
Your rehabilitation program may include:
- Restoring shoulder motion safely
- Reducing pain and stiffness
- Protecting your surgical repair while it heals
- Improving strength and endurance
- Enhancing balance, coordination, and function
- Gradually returning you to work, recreation, and sports
Because our surgeons and therapists work closely together, your rehabilitation program is coordinated and progresses at the appropriate pace for your specific surgery.
Advanced Recovery Options
OrthoLazer® Therapy
Many patients also benefit from treatment at one of our OrthoLazer® centers located in Franklin and Brookfield.
OrthoLazer uses photobiomodulation (high-powered laser therapy), a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Following shoulder surgery, photobiomodulation therapy may help:
- Reduce postoperative pain
- Decrease inflammation and swelling
- Improve shoulder mobility and reduce stiffness
- Accelerate soft tissue healing
- Promote healthier wound healing
- Decrease reliance on pain medications
- Support a faster and more comfortable recovery
Laser therapy is painless, requires no downtime, and is often used alongside your physical therapy program to help optimize healing.
Cold Therapy
For many shoulder procedures, your surgeon may recommend the use of a specialized cold therapy system after surgery.
Cold therapy helps:
- Reduce swelling
- Minimize pain
- Improve comfort during the first several weeks after surgery
- Allow earlier participation in rehabilitation exercises
These devices circulate cooled water through a shoulder wrap, providing consistent cooling that is often more effective and comfortable than traditional ice packs.
Continuous Passive Motion (CPM)
For selected shoulder procedures, your surgeon may recommend a Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine during the early recovery period.
A CPM device gently moves the shoulder through a controlled range of motion while the muscles remain relaxed. Depending on your procedure, CPM therapy may help:
- Maintain early shoulder motion
- Reduce postoperative stiffness
- Improve circulation
- Promote healthy tissue healing
- Complement your supervised physical therapy program
Not every patient requires CPM therapy. Your surgeon will determine whether it is appropriate based on the type of surgery you have undergone.
Your Rehabilitation Timeline
Recovery following shoulder surgery varies depending on the procedure performed. While every patient’s recovery is unique, most rehabilitation follows several general phases:
Early Recovery (First Few Weeks)
- Protect the surgical repair
- Control pain and swelling
- Begin gentle, guided motion
- Wear a sling when appropriate
Intermediate Recovery
- Restore shoulder flexibility
- Begin strengthening exercises
- Improve shoulder mechanics and function
Advanced Recovery
- Build strength and endurance
- Return to work and recreational activities
- Progress to sport-specific or job-specific exercises when appropriate
Your surgeon and therapist will continually adjust your rehabilitation program to match your healing and recovery goals.
A Team Dedicated to Your Recovery
At Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance, rehabilitation is a true team effort. Our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, specialized therapists, advanced imaging services, OrthoLazer centers, and comprehensive rehabilitation programs work together to provide seamless care from your first appointment through your complete recovery.
Our goal is simple: to help you recover safely, comfortably, and as quickly as possible so you can return to the activities you enjoy.
Start Your Shoulder Rehabilitation Today
If you have questions about shoulder surgery rehabilitation or would like to schedule a consultation, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our team in Southeastern Wisconsin is here to guide you through your recovery.