If lifting your arm above your head has become a challenge, you may be a prime candidate for shoulder replacement surgery at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics in Indiana. Shoulder pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making even simple tasks a chore. But it doesn’t have to be a permanent struggle. Our exceptional doctors specialize in shoulder replacement surgery to relieve pain and restore range of motion. We’ll take time to understand your difficulties and then tailor a treatment plan that addresses them all so that you can return to your active lifestyle. Learn why shoulder replacement may be the best option below.
Shoulder replacement surgery is a procedure that involves removing damaged parts of your shoulder and replacing them with artificial components. Its goal is pain relief and improved joint function. The shoulder is complex, allowing for a wide range of motion. As such, several injuries or conditions could affect the joint. These include arthritis, rotator cuff tears, and more. If you’re a candidate for the procedure, we’ll explain all it entails and ensure your comfort during an evaluation with our team.
Our goal with any type of injury is to find a simple, comfortable solution. The shoulder specialists at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics often recommend physical therapy exercises or medications as an initial step toward improving pain and mobility. But if these don’t resolve your problem, a total shoulder replacement may be in order. Individuals who need shoulder replacement surgery are those who experience such severe pain that they can’t perform daily activities. Seniors often qualify due to arthritis-related joint damage, but age isn’t the only factor. Our highly trained doctors will perform a thorough evaluation before suggesting surgery.
During your thorough evaluation at Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, our orthopedic specialists will review your medical history and conduct physical examinations. We may even order imaging tests such as X-rays or CTs to assess the extent of your joint damage. This comprehensive assessment will allow us to make an informed decision about your shoulder condition and the best treatment plan for it. We will only pursue surgery if it’s absolutely necessary.
Understanding what happens during a total shoulder replacement can alleviate anxiety and help you prepare. Therefore, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions regarding what to do before arriving at our clinic and what you can expect during the process. Most patients undergoing shoulder replacement will be required to see our pre-admission testing center to ensure they are medically optimized for surgery. The procedure typically lasts a few hours. We’ll start by putting you under anesthesia so that you won’t feel pain during the surgery. We’ll then use specialized tools and advanced techniques to remove all damaged parts of your shoulder joint and replace them with high-quality artificial alternatives. Most patients go home the same day, but a minority of patients may need to stay the night dependent on pre-existing medical condition.
Recovery from total shoulder replacement surgery is a gradual process. You’ll likely experience pain and swelling initially, but we can help you manage these symptoms with medication. Rest is also crucial in the first few days following surgery. However, physical therapy is the most important element of the recovery process. You should be able to begin restoring movement and strength shortly after surgery. You can then resume light activities within a few weeks and normal activities in a couple of months. We’ll help you monitor progress and make suggestions to expedite recovery.
Pain relief is the most noticeable benefit of shoulder replacement surgery, but it is far from the only one. Patients also experience significantly improved mobility. This is vital because it allows them to enjoy activities that were once difficult or impossible. Moreover, a greater range of motion can lead to a better quality of life and increased independence. With proper exercise and care, the results of shoulder replacement surgery will be long-lasting, so you can enjoy pain-free movement for years to come.
Chronic shoulder pain doesn’t have to be a permanent obstacle. Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics can personalize a shoulder replacement surgery solution for you at any of our convenient locations in Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville, or Tipton, Indiana. We’re standing by to discuss your symptoms, evaluate your condition, and devise a treatment plan, so contact us today.
Our Forté Fast orthopedic urgent care clinic in Noblesville will close at 11:00 am on Friday, December 20th.
Our Tipton office will be closed on Monday, December 23rd.
All Forté locations will be closed Tuesday, December 24th - Wednesday, December 25th for the holiday.
