Shoulder Pain Management

Guide for Speaking With Patients

This guide provides questions that will assist you in obtaining a complete and accurate patient history, as well as acute details that can aid in making an appropriate diagnosis. In addition, the guide provides information for those patients that require surgery, to help prepare them and their caregivers for the hospital stay, postoperative period and recovery period.

Questions that May Assist with Diagnosis

1. How would you rate your discomfort, with 1 being no discomfort or no change to activities and 4 being severe pain or significant change to activities?
2. Did the pain start slowly or suddenly appear?
3. Have you changed any of your activities to avoid triggering shoulder pain?
4. Does your pain interfere with daily activities, such as driving, brushing your hair, reaching for objects or changing clothes?
5. Are you finding it difficult to sleep or does the discomfort wake you up sometimes?
6. Are you less able to put your hand in your back pocket or put on a coat?
7. Does your pain interfere with your ability to work?
8. Have you had a recent fall, injury or accident?
9. Do you move your shoulder the same way a lot in physical activities, sports or work?
10. How long have you been in pain?
11. Have you noticed that the arm and shoulder are weaker than they used to be?
12. Have you had any previous injury or pain in your shoulder?

Preparing a Patient for Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder replacement patients should be notified that they may need help with everyday activities, such as getting dressed and preparing meals, for the first two weeks after surgery, and they need help with activities that require driving, such as going to the grocery store and outpatient physical therapy, for the first six weeks after surgery. Patients that live on their own may find managing everyday activities more difficult than those who receive assistance from a caregiver.

Patients will have little stamina and limited mobility for the first few days after surgery. They should be able to get in and out of bed independently and should be able to walk a short distance – far enough to get to the bathroom without assistance, but they may not be able to do more.

Following through with the rehabilitation program after surgery is key to the patient achieving a successful surgical outcome.

Helping the Caregiver

Shoulder replacement patients usually need help with everyday activities, such as getting dressed and preparing meals, for the first two weeks after surgery, and they need help with activities that require driving, such as going to the grocery store and outpatient physical therapy, for the first six weeks after surgery.

Patients will have little stamina and limited mobility for the first few days after surgery. They should be able to get in and out of bed independently and should be able to walk a short distance – far enough to get to the bathroom without assistance, but they may not be able to do more.

Caregivers should be reminded of the amount of time they will need to spend with the patient and of the need for patience. A patient who has had shoulder replacement surgery moves slowly, especially in the beginning of rehabilitation. For shoulder replacement patients, the easiest of activities can be time-consuming and cannot be rushed.

As a helpful resource to your patient’s primary caregiver, refer that person to www.shoulderpainsolutions.com for specific information for them to consider in preparation for and after surgery.

Patient Guides

1. Preparing for Shoulder Replacement Surgery
2. What to Expect During Your Hospital Stay and After Surgery
3. Caregiver Checklist for Hospital and Personal Arrangements
4. Patient Guide for Speaking with an Orthopaedic Specialist