Postoperative Stiffness After Shoulder Surgery

Stiffness after shoulder surgery can significantly affect recovery, comfort, and long-term shoulder function.

Some stiffness is expected during healing, but excessive stiffness may require additional treatment or rehabilitation adjustment.

Why stiffness develops

• Inflammation
• Scar tissue formation
• Prolonged immobilization
• Pain-limited motion
• Capsular tightening

Patients with diabetes and prior frozen shoulder may be at higher risk.

Treatment options

• Physical therapy
• Stretching programs
• Anti-inflammatory treatment
• Corticosteroid injection
• Manipulation under anesthesia
• Arthroscopic capsular release

Early recognition is important because prolonged stiffness becomes more difficult to reverse.

What this means for patients

The goal is to protect healing tissues while avoiding unnecessary stiffness that may delay recovery and limit long-term function.