Nutrition for Shoulder Surgery

Proper nutrition plays a pivotal role in enhancing recovery outcomes following shoulder surgeries, such as rotator cuff repairs and shoulder arthroplasty. Malnutrition has been identified as a significant risk factor for increased complications, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality rates in patients undergoing these procedures.  

Shoulder Replacement Studies

Patients with poor nutrition who undergo shoulder replacement surgery face a much higher risk of complications. Studies show: 

• Longer Hospital Stays: Malnourished patients stayed in the hospital nearly twice as long after primary total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) and even more so after revision surgeries. 

• Greater Need for Rehab or Skilled Nursing: Those with nutritional deficiencies were significantly more likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation center or skilled nursing facility after surgery. 

Rotator Cuff Repair Studies

Patients with poor nutrition are much more likely to face complications after rotator cuff repair, including: 

• Higher Risk of Hospital Readmission
• Longer Hospital Stays 

Low protein levels before surgery (known as hypoalbuminemia) were also linked to: 

• A 70% higher chance of needing hospital care after surgery
• A 2x greater risk of extended hospital stay 

Essential Nutrients for Healing and Recovery

Here are the essential nutrients that play a crucial role in your recovery: 

• Protein and Amino Acids: These help rebuild muscle and repair damaged tissue. These can be found in foods like lean meats, eggs, dairy, tofu, and beans.
• Vitamin C and Zinc: They are crucial for immune function and collagen production, supporting proper wound healing and reducing the risk of infection. Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, spinach (for vitamin C), along with red meat, nuts, seeds, and shellfish (for zinc) are excellent dietary sources.
• Vitamin D and Calcium: They are essential for strong bones and joints. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, fortified dairy or plant-based milk, and eggs, while calcium is abundant in yogurt, cheese, leafy greens, and almonds.
• Healthy Fats: They include omega-3 fatty acids which help reduce inflammation and support tissue repair. These are found in foods like salmon, flaxseed, walnuts, chia seeds, and olive oil. 

Including these nutrients in your pre- and post-operative diet—whether through whole foods or physician-recommended supplements—can significantly improve your surgical outcome by accelerating healing, reducing complications, and restoring strength more effectively. 

Supplement Support for Shoulder Surgery Recovery

In addition to a healthy diet, medical-grade nutritional supplements designed specifically for surgical recovery can provide targeted support when your body needs it most.. These products include key ingredients that help reduce muscle loss and support wound healing during the most critical phase of recovery. That’s why Dr. Hill recommends Xcelerated Recovery® Nutritional Supplementation—a science-backed solution designed to support surgical recovery and overall joint health. 

Benefits of Xcelerated Recovery®

Xcelerated Recovery® supports patients by: 

• Reducing muscle atrophy
• Promoting wound healing
• Supporting muscle repair and strength
• Speeding up return to functional activity
• Reducing the risk of post-surgical infection 

Easy-to-Use Recovery Options

Dr. Hill offers several surgical recovery options tailored to your needs: 

• Option A: 3-week surgical program with carb-loading and shaker bottle (pre- and post-op support)
• Option B: 2-week post-op bundle
• Option C: 14-pack box for post-physical therapy use 

The supplement is lactose, dairy, and gluten free, Kosher, and NSF Certified for Sport®, making it ideal for a variety of dietary needs. With no added sugars, dyes, or artificial flavors, it's a clean and powerful way to aid your recovery.

• Download the Xcelerated Recovery® Flyer
• Download the Xcelerated Recovery® Prescription

Reference: https://xrscience.org/