Shoulder rehabilitation after arthroscopic shoulder surgery involves the following process to allow proper healing of the shoulder. Another considerable decision during recovery is identifying when it is secure to go back to driving. This depends on the type of surgery, the degree of injury, and the rate of healing and recovery of each of the patients. Although arthroscopic surgery allows for a quicker recovery time than the open technique, patients are often unable to drive immediately after surgery because of a lack of sufficient shoulder flexibility, strength, and pain. In this article, information concerning arthroscopic shoulder surgery, as well as the timeline and factors of healing tips for safe driving after the procedure, are discussed.
Introduction to Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
Arthroscopy is typically performed on the knee joint, but it can also be performed on the shoulder joint. Shoulder arthroscopy is a surgical technique for diagnosing and treating various diseases that involve the shoulder joint. It consists of using an arthroscope, a tube with a video camera inserted into the shoulder through small cuts. This camera gives the surgeon a good view of the joint so that they can use fine instruments for reparative work.
Some of the diseases treated through arthroscopic shoulder surgery include rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, labral tears, and joint instability. The procedure is generally less painful, has few scars, and the patient returns to normal much faster than open surgery.
Can you Drive after Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery?
However, what patients fail to realize is that even though arthroscopic shoulder surgery is minimally invasive, recovery needs constant consideration – especially when it comes to matters of life activities like driving. Here, we are going to discuss about the different phases of recovery after arthroscopic shoulder surgery;
Primary Rehabilitation Phase or Early Stage (First Week)
Some typical symptoms for the first week include swelling, pain, and limited movement around the shoulder. This crucial recovery stage involves tissue restoration, and most patients wear a sling to immobilize the shoulder and aid healing.
Therefore, driving during this phase is discouraged. Restricted shoulder movement, plus some of the side effects of pain relievers, reduces coordination of movements and reaction time to steer the car. Also, shoulder movements related to steering or handling emergencies can be painful and may hinder healing.
Key Tips:
- There is a great emphasis in the post-operation period on relaxation and management of pain.
- Monitor your activities with reference to post-operative care instructions.
Regaining Mobility (Weeks 2 to 4)
In the second week, the pain reduces, and in some cases, physical therapy may be used to encourage the patient’s mobility. The patient may have some useful shoulder movement but with limited strength and coordination.
Traveling by car is often prohibited during this period, especially for those who have had one or both arm surgeries. The sling may still be in use, and turning the steering wheel or checking blind spots could hurt the shoulder.
Transition Phase of Recovery (Weeks 4 to 6)
Thus, it is not a secret that most patients appear to have enhanced free movement and strength in their shoulders after the fourth or fifth week. The physical therapy exercises related to the joint embrace range of motion and muscle-building exercises. It is a phase where you can resume your routine activities.
Driving Considerations
For some patients, this is the stage where one may be able to start driving again. However, several factors influence this decision.
- Surgery on the right or left arm, which might be the patient’s preferred arm for performing various tasks.
- The freedom to swing the shoulder without pain.
- The arrangement of the vehicle (another factor is that the automatic cars are easy to manage).
- Those with automatic gear shifts might drive better than those who have to shift gears manually, which involves the upper body.
Near Full Recovery (Weeks 6 to 8)
About six to eight weeks after surgery, most patients have made remarkable improvements in their condition. Strength has also increased significantly, and mobility and the sling are commonly removed. Progressive physical activities focus on recreation, assisting individuals in achieving their normal activities.
In this seventh week, many patients are now ready to drive without having a risk of a dangerous condition occurring. However, it is essential to ensure the following:
- Driving movements, like turning the steering wheel or shifting gears, can be performed comfortably without pain or stiffness.
- Consequently, reflexes and reaction time have been restored.
Precautions:
Take a short test drive for comfort and control issues before going back on the road for steady practice. Do not undertake long-distance traveling activities at first because they usually result in fatigue.
Factors Affecting the Recovery Period
Severity of the Injury and Procedure
The severity of the surgery has the biggest impact on the recovery process. For instance, the duration of recovery depends on the type of surgery.
Physical Therapy Compliance
Adhering to a physical therapy routine can aid healing by restoring movement, preventing stiffness, and rebuilding shoulder muscles.
Overall Health and Fitness
People with no chronic diseases can heal more quickly than patients with other health complications. Other factors that affect the period are age, smoking habits, and the client’s existing diseases.
Choice of Surgeon and Clinic
Selecting an appropriate surgeon and the right orthopedic clinic helps in choosing the right surgical method and treatment. Whether you are undergoing arthroscopic shoulder surgery or looking for the Best Knee Replacement surgeon in Lahore, it is always very helpful to seek the advice of a professional.
Helpful Hints for Safe Driving After Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery
- Communicate with Your Surgeon: It is important to always ask about your readiness to drive during follow-up visits.
- Prioritize Safety: Express your comfort level by practicing steering, braking, and checking mirrors before driving on a busy street.
- Limit Early Trips: It is preferable to begin with a short distance to determine the endurance of the shoulders.
- Choose Automatic Vehicles: As much as possible, try to position the car on an auto drive to avoid straining the shoulders.
- Avoid High-Stress Scenarios: Plan to avoid large traffic or difficult traffic conditions at the beginning of the driving.
Closing Remarks!
The rehabilitation time for driving after arthroscopic shoulder surgery depends on various factors. Some patients may get ready to drive 4 weeks after the surgery, while others will take approximately eight weeks to recover fully. The important point is to hear the body’s signals, follow the directions of the skilled specialist, and remember that the main thing is safety.
Seeing an orthopedic clinic guarantees you the best service. Suppose you are also planning on other Orthopedic surgeries, like knee replacement. In that case, it is assumed that getting a top knee replacement surgeon in Lahore will ensure you get the best orthopedic treatment.
