How Can CBD Help After Shoulder Surgery?

Any type of surgery involves a recovery process that can vary in length and overall difficulty while the body heals. But, one of the most difficult types of surgery to recover from is shoulder surgery. This is because the shoulder is a large joint in the body, and therefore, it takes longer to heal after surgery has been performed. During the recovery process, a person may experience severe pain, lethargy and a low mood.

If you’re planning on undergoing surgery for a shoulder-related problem, you are probably already aware of what to expect following the procedure. Your doctor has probably outlined the length of time that it will take to heal, as well as some ways in which to speed up the process.

As it turns out, researchers are finding that CBD may be able to make the recovery process easier and quicker. This is because this hemp-derived cannabinoid has a unique effect on the human body that may be able to stimulate widespread, intensive healing when taken on a regular basis.

So, are you interested in trying out CBD while you recover from shoulder surgery? If so, this article is for you.

Why People May Require Shoulder Surgery

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint that is surrounded by tendons and ligaments. Like any joint, the shoulder is prone to injury as well as general wear and tear. This is because we rely heavily on our shoulders throughout the day. We use them constantly, whether we’re typing at our computers or opening a door. Therefore, our shoulders are fairly vulnerable.

Injury

There are many different types of shoulder injuries out there, and they can occur in various ways. Some shoulder injuries can heal on their own, but many require surgery.

Wear and Tear

Some people require shoulder surgery due to wear and tear rather than a direct injury. We use our shoulders all day long, and for some of us, the joint tissue can break down over time, causing us to be in extreme pain and lose some or all mobility.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that can cause the joint tissue of the shoulder to break down at a rapid pace, resulting in extreme pain.

An Illness

Some illnesses can cause the shoulder to deteriorate.

The Different Major Kinds of Shoulder Surgery

There are many different kinds of shoulder surgery out there, and which one a person receives is dependent on the type of shoulder issue that they have.

Arthroscopic SLAP Repair

Arthroscopic SLAP Repair is a common type of shoulder surgery because the issue that it treats is very common. This type of surgery repairs the labrum, which is the cartilage that surrounds the socket of the shoulder. It can become displaced over time, and the procedure relocates it back to its original position.

Arthroscopy for Impingement Syndrome

Impingement syndrome refers to a state in which the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or trapped, and it’s a very common condition. Little by little, this condition can cause the tendons of the shoulder to become damaged. This surgery involves creating space between the top of the shoulder and the rotator cuff.

Rotator Cuff Repair

A rotator cuff repair procedure is any type of procedure that fixes a damaged rotator cuff.

Acromioclavicular Joint Repair

The acromioclavicular joint is found between the clavicle and acromion, and it is prone to injury and deterioration. This type of surgery involves repairing this joint using a variety of methods depending on the exact injury.

What’s the Recovery Process Following Shoulder Surgery?

The recovery process following shoulder surgery can take up to six weeks, and the exact length of time depends on the specific procedure that was performed. During this time, the shoulder will be kept in a sling so that it can heal.

During the recovery process, you will likely experience a decent amount of pain. This is because the body has inflamed the area, causing it to swell. It’s highly likely that your doctor will prescribe some type of painkiller, whether it be an NSAID drug like Ibuprofen or an opioid such as Oxycontin.

Your doctor will also require you to rest as much as possible. The body needs all of the energy it has to heal the shoulder quickly. Overexerting yourself, either mentally or physically, can disrupt the healing process.

Be aware that recovery from any surgery can be a difficult process. In addition to pain, you may find that you experience mood-related issues because of the stress of the surgical event as well as the fact that you must change your daily routine to accommodate the healing process. Also, for some people, the pain associated with post-surgery can interfere with sleep.

Could CBD Help During the Post-Shoulder Surgery Recovery Process?

In addition to the treatment plan that your doctor recommends, you may want to look into taking CBD while your shoulder recovers from surgery. Now, a good amount of evidence indicates that CBD may be able to speed things along while minimizing pain and discomfort. This is because CBD works with the body’s endocannabinoid system that uses cannabinoids to essentially heal the body where it needs to be healed.

CBD and Pain Relief

Numerous studies have shown that CBD has the strong potential to heal even severe, chronic pain. This is because the cannabinoid boasts both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in large amounts. It seems that taking CBD daily can drastically reduce pain by healing the inflammation while blocking pain receptors in the brain.

CBD and Mood

CBD may also be able to help with any mood-related issues that occur following surgery. Studies show that CBD has both antidepressant and anxiolytic properties, meaning that it may be able to help with both depression and anxiety, two conditions that can occur for some people following intensive surgery.

CBD and Sleep

Because of CBD’s anxiolytic properties, it may be able to help you fall asleep quickly. CBD seems to lower cortisol levels that can interfere with one’s ability to fall asleep.

Taking CBD After Shoulder Surgery: What You Should Know

As you can see, a number of studies show that CBD is a promising treatment option for anyone who has just received shoulder surgery. But, before you start taking it, there are some things that you need to keep in mind.

First, always inform your doctor before taking CBD. Then, make sure that you purchase a high-quality product from a trusted company. For someone who has just received shoulder surgery, we suggest a CBD tincture that has a concentration of 1500mg.

Also, we strongly recommend taking CBD each day and taking the suggested dosage level. Consistency is important with this cannabinoid, and taking it daily allows it to build up in the body, giving it more potential to deliver the desired affects. If you feel that you’re still not getting the relief that you want after two or so weeks of taking CBD daily, you may increase your dosage incrementally until you are satisfied with the results.

Lastly, bear in mind that CBD should not necessarily be viewed as a replacement for other treatment methods that your doctor has recommended. Always follow your doctor’s instructions in order to ensure that you are doing everything you can to heal quickly.

Nobody Ever Said that Recovering from Shoulder Surgery is a Picnic

However, with the right treatment plan, you may be able to minimize pain while shortening the length of the recovery process, allowing you to get back to your regular daily life sooner. If you want to recover from shoulder surgery in a natural way, you may want to give CBD a try. Use this guide to ensure that you find the right CBD product that has the potential to help you recover more easily.