shoulder stabilization recovery

Hey all,

Two weeks ago I had my right shoulder undergo stabilization surgery in order to repair a tear in the labryum; the result of an akward tackle playing football in june. The surgeon told me that he was surprised at the amount of damage done with a single dislocation, and the tear was failryl large (anterior or posterior, I'm not positive). My question is what can I do to stay in shape over the recovery period? I work out habitully so sitting on my ass for more than a few hours annoys me to no ends. What can I do to limit muscle loss so when I return to hockey and football it doesn't take as long to get back into the swing of things? I have a stationary bike at home which I am dying to use, howver I'm not quite sure if its safe to elevate my heart rate for extended periods of time as inflamation may still be an issue. Any help would be very much appreciated!

Hi Wes,
I am a 2nd year Physio student from the UK, I can give you information on where you are in the healing process with regards to your shoulder. That might be helpful for keeping active.

You haven't stated your age (or any previous medical history or contraindications) but I presume as you are actively playing hockey and football you are fit and in reasonably good health.

14 days post-surgery = Proliferation Stage in healing (this takes up to 60 days).
Your shoulder symptoms should present similar to -
1. Reduced pain
2. Reduced swelling and bruising
3. Active Range of Movement increasing but not full
4. Muscle strength still reduced / due to pain
5. You may feel afraid to move your arm / shoulder

Treatment Goals
1. To control pain and swelling (using ice or contrast heat and ice)
2. Continue to protect the joint / surrounding tissue (using tape, or protective strapping)
3. Early return to movement
4. Increase - muscle strength, active stability of joint, mobility and functional range of movement. (via graded mobilisations, massage, graded exercise programme)

So bearing all this in mind, I feel that (unless you have been given conflicting information) that it would be ok to use your stationary bike.
I think the point being that you shouldn't lean on your affected shoulder (due to your muscle strength being reduced and the fact that it was a labrum tear - so right inside your glenohumeral (shoulder) joint). Excessive pressure on to this area WILL aggravate it, slow your recover and cause complications.

Ensure you are only using your legs and not weight bearing through your shoulders.

Walking's fine....put your ipod on and go for a good walk (boring I know....but it's NOT sitting on your ass !!)
Some simple gym stuff for core and legs.....obviously the longer and more intensely you exercise....the more chance of your shoulder swelling (due to the increase in heart rate and blood pressure).

A friend of mine who continued running (to the same intensity) while recovering from a fractured wrist complicated his recovery as his wrist became very swollen after exercise.
So this is really down to you, a bit of suck it and see....but air on the side of caution.....unless anyone with experience can correct me ??

Obviously....if you feel any pain....STOP immediately, if your symptoms in your shoulder change....STOP....common sense stuff really.

Sorry if this all seems a little long winded....but it should help you understand your recovery better.
Good luck

Hi there - A very sensible and spot on response from a second year PT student. It's very much about common sense - i would like to add that many small "exercise"-sessions are to be recommended instead of few long ones. All of it with pain control. Take it easy - you don't want to mess with a newly operated shoulder. If it goes wrong the setbacks by far outlast the advantages of moving too early and too much. Good rehab !!!