Shoulder surgery Perth
Shoulder surgery: Healing & recovery explained
- Sven Goebel
Table of Contents
Shoulder replacement surgeon Perth
Shoulder replacement and recovery times
As a shoulder surgeon in Perth, I often see patients who need shoulder replacements. There are two main types of shoulder replacements: anatomic and reverse. Each has its own benefits and specific uses.
“Choosing the right type of shoulder replacement depends on the specific condition of your shoulder.”
Dr Sven Goebel | Perth Shoulder Surgeon
Here, I’ll break down the key differences and what you can expect from each type of surgery.
- Anatomic shoulder replacement
- Mimics the natural shoulder structure, using the rotator cuff muscles for movement.
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Changes shoulder mechanics, using the deltoid muscle to move and position the arm, making up for weak rotator cuff muscles.
- Anatomic shoulder replacement
- Mainly uses the rotator cuff muscles and tendons.
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Mainly uses the deltoid muscle, relying less on the rotator cuff.
- Anatomic shoulder replacement
- Takes about 6 weeks. You will wear a sling to keep your shoulder still.
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Takes about 4 to 6 weeks. You will wear a sling to keep your shoulder still.
- Anatomic shoulder replacement
- Physiotherapy starts after initial healing to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and improve movement.
- Light exercise can begin 8-10 weeks after surgery.
- Full recovery of muscles and tendons can take several months.
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Physiotherapy starts after initial healing to strengthen the deltoid muscle and improve movement.
- Light exercise can begin 4-8 weeks after surgery.
- Full recovery of muscles and tendons can take several months.
- Anatomic shoulder replacement
- Most patients get back to full function within 6 to 12 months, with big improvements seen in the first 3 months.
- Normal exercise can usually resume 4-6 months after surgery.
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Most patients get back to full function within 6 to 12 months, with big improvements seen in the first 3 months.
- Normal exercise can usually resume 3-4 months after surgery.
- Anatomic shoulder replacement
- Patients can return to low-impact activities like swimming, golfing, and light household tasks.
- Heavy lifting and high-impact sports are usually not recommended.
- Returning to work can take 2-3 weeks for a sedentary job and 3-9 months for a manual job.
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Patients can return to low-impact activities like swimming and golfing.
- Heavy lifting, repetitive overhead movements, and high-impact sports are usually not recommended.
- Returning to work can take 2-3 weeks for a sedentary job and 3-9 months for a manual job.
- Anatomic shoulder replacement
- Best for patients with intact or reparable rotator cuffs and shoulder arthritis.
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Best for patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears, severe arthritis with a cuff tear, or those who had a failed previous shoulder surgery.
- Anatomic shoulder replacement
- Shoulder arthritis, some shoulder fractures, reparable rotator cuff tears.
- Reverse shoulder replacement
- Irreparable rotator cuff tears with arthritis, severe arthritis with a cuff tear, failed previous shoulder surgery.
Minimally-invasive shoulder surgeon Perth
Shoulder arthroscopy and recovery times
In my practice in Perth, I perform many shoulder arthroscopies. This minimally invasive surgery allows me to diagnose and treat a variety of shoulder problems through small incisions.
“Shoulder arthroscopy is a great option for diagnosing and treating many shoulder issues with minimal invasiveness.”
Dr Sven Goebel | Perth Shoulder Surgeon
Here’s a closer look at what shoulder arthroscopy involves and what it can treat.
Uses a small camera (arthroscope) and surgical tools to diagnose and fix shoulder problems through small cuts.
Can involve different shoulder parts including the rotator cuff, labrum, and cartilage, depending on the issue being treated.
Takes about 1 to 2 weeks. You may wear a sling during this time to keep your shoulder still.
Physio starts soon after surgery to help restore movement and strengthen shoulder muscles. Full recovery of muscles and tendons can take several months.
Most patients get back to full function within 3 to 6 months, with big improvements seen in the first few weeks. Normal exercise can usually resume 3-4 months after surgery.
Patients can return to daily activities within a few weeks. Low-impact activities are usually allowed, but heavy lifting and high-impact sports should be avoided until fully healed.
Good for diagnosing and treating various shoulder issues with minimal invasiveness.
Rotator cuff injury or tear, impingement syndrome, shoulder instability/labral tear, calcific tendonitis, frozen shoulder, AC joint arthropathy.
Rotator cuff surgeon Perth | Shoulder surgery Perth
Rotator cuff repair and recovery times
Rotator cuff repair is one of the most common surgeries I perform in Perth. This type of shoulder surgery is essential for patients with torn rotator cuff tendons, helping them regain normal shoulder function and relieve pain.
“Rotator cuff repair is crucial for restoring shoulder function and relieving pain in patients with tendon tears.”
Dr Sven Goebel | Shoulder Surgery Perth
Fixes and reattaches torn rotator cuff tendons to the bone, restoring normal shoulder function.
Mainly involves the rotator cuff tendons and muscles.
Takes about 6 weeks. You will wear a sling during this time to keep your shoulder still.
Physio starts after initial healing to strengthen the rotator cuff muscles and improve movement. Light exercise can begin 8-10 weeks after surgery. Full recovery of muscles and tendons can take several months.
Most patients get back to full function within 6 to 12 months, with big improvements seen in the first 3 months. Normal exercise can usually resume 4-6 months after surgery.
Patients can return to low-impact activities like swimming and light household tasks. Heavy lifting and high-impact sports are usually not recommended. Returning to work can take 2-3 weeks for a sedentary job and 5-9 months for a manual job.
Best for patients with rotator cuff tears causing pain and limiting shoulder function.
Rotator cuff tears.
Shoulder pain Perth specialist
Get in touch
Understanding the different shoulder surgeries available can help you make informed decisions about your treatment options. Whether you need an anatomic shoulder replacement, a reverse shoulder replacement, shoulder arthroscopy, or rotator cuff repair, each procedure has its own benefits and specific uses.
If you have any questions or need further information about these surgeries, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you get back to your normal activities with less pain and better shoulder function.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you with your shoulder concerns.