Pain Management Tips After Shoulder Surgery with Dr. McKay

Dr. McKay talks about tips for pain management after shoulder surgery. Learn more about how to manage pain by wearing your sling, sleeping sitting up, and using the ice machine. He also explains how nerve blocks work during surgery and how to stay on top of your pain level post-surgery.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your surgeon or primary care physician with any questions you may have regarding your medications.

[anonymouskat]

I cancelled my upcoming Reverse shoulder replacement.
Im going to try physical therapy first.
But this information is super helpful.
I may still get surgery later

This is waymore helpful than the minimal information i was given by my surgeon.

[jefflindsey]

3 weeks post op. The sling was killing me as soon as the nerve block wore off. My advice, start taking your pain meds as soon as you get home. About 3 days and you’ll be good..

[kathyfredrick]

Dr McKay, I lived in Shelton at the time of both my shoulder and knee issues. I put off surgery as long as possible. I was caring for my Mom who was bedridden. You supported me and encouraged me. Helped me through the shoulder replacement surgery. I can’t thank you enough for the compassion you showed. Thank you so very much. Kathy Fredrick

[tomasranta]

I’m a retired P.T. . Patients love ice machines. Unfortunately Medicare no longer pays for them. They say they find no pain or recovery benefit. Apparently Medicare has never polled patients as to how they feel. I will be getting my second rotator cuff surgery next week and I will purchase an ice machine.

[DeepDiveArchiveOrg]

I have to be on my back to sleep and my best advice is once you get comfortable, use pillows under BOTH elbows to keep your arms resting on your belly as if they were both in slings. I had the large pad between my arm and belly which helped with comfort too. Then time your pain pills so you take about 15-30 minutes before bedtime. This gives out time to get in your system as well as time to get comfy since they don't work as well if you're already maxing out your pain tolerance. I have tendonitis and a bone spur that was destroying my shoulder muscle. I now have zero pain after abt 6 months but still working on increasing strength. Best decision ever!

[Space_Tour]

Don't be scared of pain. I didn't have alot of pain after my repair and was able to live with some Advil only and 8 days post op didn't need any of it, sleeping is the real issue because I'm a side sleeper and bynedryl really helped me

[bcbart]

I just had rotator cuff and bicep tendon surgery in December and hearing you say, wear your sling, with sincerity really motivates me to stick it out. Thank you for that and for sharing your knowledge with us.

[redlilwitchy]

I'm at 4 weeks post-op. It's good to know that a lot of people struggle with pain during sleep. I thought maybe it was just something with me. Thanks for the video!

[delilahgillis]

REVERSE SHOULDER SURGERY HURTS LIKE HELL, BUT P.T. MAKES YOU BETTER

[patrickmiller]

Thank you for the advice, I am going for total shoulder replacement soon…

[FrankJDurante]

THANK I'm quite anxious about my upcoming surgery and the recovery stage...it is a full Reverse Right shoulder replacement ... and this helped. I bought the Breg Polar Care and hoping that I've seen other videos and plan on sleeping in a recliner chair for the first week.... thanks again

[Mike]

Big thanks for the tips, Dr.McKay. I will be having my first shoulder replacement surgery in about three weeks. If it goes well, I will do the other one six-eight weeks after that. I’m definitely going to get one of those ice machines.

[martyharris]

Great information. Clear and easy to understand. Put me at ease before the surgery. THANKS.

[JulieUllrich-dw]

Thanks for the advice going in for a standard shoulder replacement joy at 43 years old 🎉🎉🎉

[gerardmoran]

I'm 6 weeks post-op. Get the nerve block and ice however you can! Once the block wore off it was time for the oxycodone. I waited a bit too long and wound up chasing the pain. In the end I used 14.5 of 30 prescribed 5mg oxycodones (yes, get a pill cutter). I have auto-immune disorders and deal with chronic pain. I was concerned about layering analgesics. I kept a pain/dosing log for the PA to review. On day 4 the shoulder was getting better but my Achillies and femoral enthesitis was acting up. I dosed for the auto-immune pain and noted it in the log. Finally, I never understood why docs recommend or prescribe for side effects. If you're having trouble sleeping, why not use an appropriate sleeper? You're in a recliner, likely mouth breathing more, do you really need to dry up your mucus membranes? Get a drug designed for the symptom, not one that has a side effect for the symptom. My non-clinical 2cents. Good luck!

[MrArinder]

Thanks Doc. jUst had rotator surgery and no one told how helpful the ice machine was!

[Queen]

Thank you. I have to go through this alone. Pray for me please.

[carolshibuya]

S/P op 3 # weeks rotator cuff repair & using ice machine qd, minimal pain. Freezing water bottles good idea, why didn’t I think of this? Sleeping has been the most challenging. My recliner’s knob right side, same as operative side so not safe during nighttime. Using wedge pillow plus smaller pillow to support side of surgery.

[toryberch]

I've had 1 rotator cuff repair and unfortunately a year post op I had a bad fall so back in I go again this month for a re do. I have the b
polar ice machine and it works great 👍 for me I use a u shape pillow like you would use for traveling along with pillows for anywhere you need comfort. Sleep is tough first few days so I'm game for anything that makes you feel comfy

[marletajones]

Thank you, Awesome tips! Stemless shoulder replacement in a few days.