Shoulder surgery can be life-changing—but the road to full mobility and pain-free movement doesn’t stop when the stitches come out. Proper soft tissue therapy before and after surgery is essential to prevent complications, restore function, and accelerate healing.
At Elite Recovery, we specialize in Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, Lymphatic Drainage, and Frederick Stretch Therapy (FST)—all scientifically proven methods to reduce pain, break down scar tissue, and restore optimal movement.
Whether you’re a patient preparing for surgery, a surgeon looking for a trusted recovery partner, or a physical therapist seeking complementary care, our approach ensures a faster, more complete recovery.
Common Types of Shoulder Surgeries & Their Soft Tissue Complications
The shoulder is one of the most complex and mobile joints in the body, making surgery and recovery particularly delicate. Here are some common shoulder procedures and the soft tissue challenges they create:
1. Rotator Cuff Repair
Soft Tissue Complications: Scar tissue, adhesions, nerve entrapment, muscle atrophy
How We Help: Myofascial Release prevents excessive scar tissue formation and improves mobility. Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapy relieves compensatory pain in surrounding muscles.
2. Shoulder Labral Repair (SLAP Tear, Bankart Repair)
Soft Tissue Complications: Limited range of motion, stiffness, instability
How We Help: FST (Frederick Stretch Therapy) restores optimal movement patterns while preventing compensatory imbalances in the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers.
3. Total Shoulder Replacement (Arthroplasty)
Soft Tissue Complications: Swelling, stiffness, scar tissue, muscle weakness
How We Help: Lymphatic Drainage Therapy minimizes post-surgical swelling and inflammation, while Neuromuscular Therapy retrains the shoulder muscles to support proper movement.
4. Shoulder Impingement Surgery (Subacromial Decompression)
Soft Tissue Complications: Trigger points in surrounding muscles, chronic inflammation
How We Help: Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapy releases tension in the rotator cuff, while FST ensures the shoulder joint moves freely without impingement.
5. AC Joint Reconstruction (Clavicle Surgery)
Soft Tissue Complications: Pain at the collarbone, difficulty with overhead movements
How We Help: Myofascial Release around the AC joint reduces tightness and restrictions that interfere with overhead mobility.
6. Frozen Shoulder Surgery (Adhesive Capsulitis Release)
Soft Tissue Complications: Excessive scar tissue formation, lingering stiffness
How We Help: FST & Myofascial Release prevent the reformation of restrictive adhesions, allowing for a fuller range of motion without pain.
How Referring to Elite Recovery Benefits Your Clients
🏥 Physical Therapists
My treatments accelerate rehabilitation by addressing muscle adhesions, trigger points, and fascial restrictions. This results in improved range of motion, enhanced flexibility, and pain relief—allowing patients to progress through therapy more effectively.
⚕️ Sports Medicine Doctors
Chronic pain and sports injuries require a multifaceted recovery plan. My neuromuscular therapy and myofascial release support pain management, injury recovery, and prevention, working seamlessly within your treatment framework.
🏗️ Orthopedic Surgeons
Surgical procedures often lead to scar tissue formation, muscle guarding, and stiffness. I use lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, and neuromuscular therapy to minimize post-surgical swelling, break down adhesions, and accelerate healing for optimal recovery.
🦴 Chiropractors
Chiropractic adjustments are more effective when muscles are balanced and tension-free. My therapies help release soft tissue restrictions, reducing compensations and improving joint mobility to ensure lasting relief.
🏋️ Personal Trainers & Strength Coaches
Injury prevention and muscle recovery are critical for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. My soft tissue therapy, fascial stretch therapy, and trigger point release techniques keep clients pain-free, mobile, and performing at their peak.
Let’s work together to unlock the body’s full potential.
Tiffany Sandoval with Elite Recovery
📍 Locations: San Juan Capistrano, CA & Lake Elsinore, CA
📞 Phone: 949.444.2154
📧 Email: info@tiffanysandoval.com
🌐 Website: www.tiffanysandoval.com
📸 Follow on Instagram: @elite_bodywork
The Healing Timeline: What to Expect & When to Start Soft Tissue Therapy
Understanding the phases of healing is crucial in determining the right type of soft tissue therapy at each stage.
1. Pre-Surgery (2-6 Weeks Before)
Why it Matters:
Prepares muscles, fascia, and joints for better surgical outcomes
Reduces compensatory tension in surrounding muscles
Enhances circulation for faster post-surgical healing
Best Therapies:
✔ Neuromuscular Trigger Point Therapy – Releases overactive muscles compensating for injury
✔ FST (Frederick Stretch Therapy) – Prepares muscles and joints for optimal post-surgery movement
2. Early Post-Surgery (0-6 Weeks After)
Why it Matters:
Focus is on managing pain, swelling, and preventing excessive scar tissue formation
Movement is limited, but early intervention prevents long-term stiffness
Best Therapies:
✔ Lymphatic Drainage Therapy – Gently reduces swelling and detoxifies tissue
✔ Myofascial Release (light application) – Prevents early adhesion formation
3. Mid-Recovery (6-12 Weeks Post-Surgery)
Why it Matters:
Scar tissue begins to mature, but if left untreated, it can severely limit mobility
Strength and movement re-education are key
Best Therapies:
✔ Myofascial Release & FST – Breaks down tight adhesions and restores flexibility
✔ Neuromuscular Therapy – Reintegrates proper muscle firing patterns
4. Late Recovery & Performance Restoration (12 Weeks – 6 Months)
Why it Matters:
Prevents compensatory injuries
Full return to activity requires restoring strength and neuromuscular control
Best Therapies:
✔ FST & Myofascial Release – Ensures long-term flexibility & mobility
✔ Neuromuscular Therapy – Strengthens deep stabilizing muscles for lasting recovery
Why Surgeons & Physical Therapists Should Refer to Elite Recovery
At Elite Recovery, we specialize in working alongside surgeons and physical therapists to ensure a seamless recovery process. We help patients:
✅ Prevent soft tissue complications – Avoid excessive scar tissue, stiffness, and nerve entrapment
✅ Accelerate healing – Reduce post-surgical swelling and enhance blood flow
✅ Optimize mobility & function – Regain full range of motion safely✅ Prevent re-injury – Strengthen the soft tissue to protect against future damage
How We Work With Medical Professionals
Pre-Surgery Preparation – We ensure patients enter surgery with the best possible tissue condition
Post-Surgery Healing – We integrate seamlessly with PT protocols to maximize mobility and strength
Patient Education – We teach patients how to prevent excessive scar tissue formation and self-manage pain effectively
If you are a surgeon, physical therapist, or patient looking for the best recovery strategy, Elite Recovery is here to support you every step of the way.
Final Takeaway: What Every Shoulder Surgery Patient Should Know About Soft Tissue Therapy
📌 Soft tissue complications (scar tissue, swelling, nerve pain) are preventable with proper therapy.
📌 Pre-surgical therapy can improve surgical outcomes.
📌 Post-surgical therapy accelerates recovery and prevents permanent mobility loss.
📌 A structured recovery plan with targeted soft tissue therapy ensures long-term success.
Resources Post- Surgery Recovery
Please note that the following information is based on individual patient experiences and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before trying any new treatments or therapies. If you have suggestions or additional experiences to share, please contact us at info@tiffanysandoval.com.
Wound & Scar Care
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Makes being Mobile Easier
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Post Surgery & Injury Recovery Supplement
Ready to Optimize Your Recovery?
If you’re preparing for shoulder surgery—or struggling with post-op stiffness and pain—Elite Recovery can help.
📅 Book Your Recovery Session Today:🔗 Schedule Your Appointment Here
Let’s work together to restore your movement, reduce your pain, and get you back to full strength—faster! 🚀
Tiffany Sandoval
Hi I'm Tiffany Sandoval, Elite Pain Relief & Mobility Expert with over 13 years. I specialize in soft tissue therapy for professional and youth athletes, post-surgery recovery (shoulder, hip, and knee), and mobility restoration, using neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, and FST to optimize performance, accelerate healing, and prevent injuries. Let's work together to unlock your body's potential, regain mobility, and pave the way for a pain-free, active lifestyle. Connect with her here or on LinkedIn.
Why Choose Elite Recovery Sports Therapy?
✅ Over 13 years of experience in neuromuscular therapy
✅ Specialized techniques for prolong sports careers and chronic pain relief
✅ Convenient locations in Lake Elsinore and San Juan Capistrano
✅ Personalized care tailored to your specific needs
If you're ready to prioritize your health and recovery, schedule your appointment today and experience the Elite Recovery difference!
📅 Book Now: Click here to schedule your session
📲 Follow us for updates: https://www.instagram.com/elite_bodywork/
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