Surgery doesn’t just challenge your body in the operating room.
It challenges your immune system, blood sugar control, muscle mass, and healing capacity long before and after the procedure.
Nutrition plays a critical role in how well you recover.
Before surgery, your body needs adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals to prepare tissues for repair and reduce inflammation. After surgery, those same nutrients help drive wound healing, collagen production, and immune defense.
Poor nutrition is linked to slower healing, higher infection risk, increased fatigue, and longer recovery times. Blood sugar spikes can further impair healing and increase complications, making balanced meals especially important.
Recovery also requires energy. Under-eating after surgery can delay progress, increase muscle loss, and prolong weakness. Fueling properly supports strength, mobility, and a smoother return to daily life.
Nutrition isn’t optional around surgery.
It’s part of the recovery plan.
Save this if you’re preparing for surgery or supporting someone through recovery.
#doctor #doctors #surgeon #shoulder #orthopedics #shouldersurgeryrecovery #wellness #lifehacks #longevity #health #rotatorcuff #shouldersurgery #muscle #bones #PatrickDenardMD #ShoulderMRI #ShoulderInjury
Most people think the surgery itself is what fixes everything.
It’s not.
What actually determines how well (and how fast) you recover comes down to what you do AFTER.
Here are 2 underrated “secret weapons” for getting through shoulder surgery:
Sleep
This is when your body does the majority of its healing. Tissue repair, inflammation control, hormone regulation all happen while you rest. If your sleep is poor, your recovery will be too. Prioritizing quality sleep isn’t optional, it’s essential.
Nutrition
Your body needs the right fuel to rebuild. Protein for tissue repair, micronutrients to support healing, and enough calories to avoid slowing the process down. This is exactly why I recommend the Thrive Protocol, to make sure your body has everything it needs to recover properly.
Surgery is just one part of the process.
Your habits after will either speed things up… or hold you back.
If you want a smoother, stronger recovery, start here.
Learn more 👇
/
#shouldersurgery #injuryrecovery #rehabtips #sportsrehab #physicaltherapy #orthopedics #healingjourney #postopsupport #healthrecovery #fitnessrehab #mobilitymatters #wellnesstips #doctor #doctors #surgeon #shoulder #orthopedics #shouldersurgeryrecovery #wellness #lifehacks #longevity #health #rotatorcuff #shouldersurgery #muscle #bones
Dr. Denard gets this question all the time…
"Can I train my body for surgery?"
And the answer always comes back to one thing: giving your body the support it needs to handle the stress of surgery and recover well. That starts with optimizing your nutrition.
Surgery puts your body under significant stress. Without the right nutrients, healing slows, muscle loss increases, and the risk of complications rises. But when you go in properly fueled, you support tissue repair, immune function, and overall recovery much more effectively.
That’s exactly why our physicians put together a step-by-step, physician-developed recovery guide… to take the guesswork out and show you what your body actually needs before and after surgery.
Don’t leave your recovery up to chance. Download the free guide and start preparing your body the right way. Link in bio
Developed by physicians. Backed by research. Trusted by patients.
Thrive Protocol, Recover smarter, Clinical nutrition, Presurgical Nutrition, Recovery Supplements, Support Surgical Healing, Collagen, Physician Guided Nutrition, Preparing for surgery
Preparing for surgery isn’t that different from preparing for a big race 🏁
Athletes don’t just show up on game day. They train, fuel, and build the mindset to perform.
Your surgery deserves the same level of intention.
You only get one shot at this moment.
Understand your condition, choose your surgeon wisely, and prepare your body like it matters… because it does.
The simplest edge most patients overlook
Nutrition. It’s the easiest lever to improve your outcome before you even step into the operating room 💡
#doctor #doctors #surgeon #shoulder #orthopedics #shouldersurgeryrecovery #wellness #lifehacks #longevity #health #rotatorcuff #shouldersurgery #muscle #bones
Your MRI says “damage”… but does it actually matter?
Here are 2 common findings that sound scary but are often NOT the real cause of your shoulder pain:
AC joint arthritis
Very common, especially as you get older. Many people have it with zero pain.
SLAP tear
Frequently shows up even in people with completely healthy, pain-free shoulders.
These findings can look serious on paper, but they don’t always explain what you’re feeling.
Treat the person, not just the scan.
Follow for more simple breakdowns like this 👍
#doctor #doctors #surgeon #shoulder #orthopedics #shouldersurgeryrecovery #wellness #lifehacks #longevity #health #rotatorcuff #shouldersurgery #muscle #bones #PatrickDenardMD #ShoulderMRI #ShoulderInjury
✨ Did you know what you eat the night before surgery can actually speed up your recovery?
Carbohydrate loading helps your body maintain energy, reduce hospital stay, and support a smoother healing process 🥖🍌
OptiCharge is a clinically proven way to achieve effective carbohydrate loading, giving your body the fuel it needs before both surgery and performance.
How to use OptiCharge for optimal results
Night before: Drink 2 packets
2 hours before: Drink 1 packet
For games or matches
Drink 1 packet 2 hours before each event
Simple, strategic, and backed by science
Fuel your body before the moment that matters ✨
#doctor #doctors #surgeon #shoulder #orthopedics #shouldersurgeryrecovery #wellness #lifehacks #longevity #health #rotatorcuff #shouldersurgery #muscle #bones #ShoulderPainRelief #PatrickDenardMD #ShoulderMRI #ShoulderInjury
Will your shoulder replacement set off a metal detector?
Short answer: it can. Shoulder implants are made of metal, so there’s always a chance they’ll be detected at airport security. That said, not all detectors are triggered, and it doesn’t usually cause major issues. Just let security know ahead of time and follow their instructions.
Traveling after shoulder replacement doesn’t have to be stressful when you know what to expect.
Have questions about surgery or recovery? If you’d like expert guidance, you can have your shoulder MRI reviewed here:
/product/mrireview
#shoulderreplacement #orthopedics #shouldersurgery #jointreplacement #rotatorcuff #shoulderpain #traveltips #health #wellness #longevity #surgeon #medicaleducation #ShoulderCare #ShoulderInjury #ShoulderPainRelief #doctor #doctors #surgeon #shoulder #orthopedics #shouldersurgeryrecovery #wellness #lifehacks #longevity #health #rotatorcuff #shouldersurgery #muscle #bones #PatrickDenardMD #ShoulderMRI #ShoulderInjury
💪 Protein isn’t just for the gym, it’s a recovery superstar after surgery!
Keeping up your protein intake for up to 3 months helps rebuild tissues, maintain strength, and get you back on your feet faster. 🥚🍗
Swipe to see why protein matters for healing ➡️
#doctor #doctors #surgeon #shoulder #orthopedics #shouldersurgeryrecovery # # #wellness #lifehacks #longevity #health #rotatorcuff #shouldersurgery #muscle #bones
🦾📊 Article of the Week – Can technology level the playing field in reverse shoulder arthroplasty?
Highlighted in the latest Q1 Research Trail podcast by Dr. Patrick Denard, this study from the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery explores how PSI and navigation systems impact glenoid baseplate placement in reverse shoulder arthroplasty 👀
🔎 Key finding:
It’s not about changing the target — it’s about improving precision and consistency.
💡 One of the most interesting takeaways:
With conventional techniques, less experienced surgeons had less precise inclination placement.
👉 PSI and navigation essentially eliminated this experience gap.
Additional insights:
🔩 Navigation allowed placement of longer screws → potentially improving fixation
📋 PSI increased use of augmented baseplates thanks to enhanced preoperative planning
📌 The message?
Computer-assisted technologies may not change “ideal alignment,” but they can significantly improve accuracy, reproducibility, and surgical consistency — especially for surgeons earlier in their learning curve.
🎙️ Discussed in detail in Dr. Denard’s latest Q1 podcast on BeeMed.
#ReverseShoulderArthroplasty #ShoulderArthroplasty #NavigationSystem #PatientSpecificInstrumentation #PSI #ShoulderSurgery #Orthopedics #Orthopaedics #SurgicalInnovation #ComputerAssistedSurgery #OrthopaedicSurgeon #OrthoEducation #MedEd #EvidenceBasedMedicine
When you go into surgery properly fueled, with adequate protein, carbohydrates, hydration, and key micronutrients, you give your body the tools it actually needs to repair tissue, preserve muscle, support immune function, and recover stronger.
Nutrition doesn’t just support healing… it directly impacts your outcome.
This is why recovery should never be an afterthought. It’s a strategy. One that starts before surgery even begins.
If you’re preparing for surgery or supporting someone who is, don’t leave your recovery up to chance.
Download our free physician-developed recovery guide and explore the Thrive Protocol to understand exactly how to fuel your body for better outcomes, faster healing, and stronger recovery.
Developed by physicians. Backed by research. Trusted by patients.
Thrive Protocol, Recover smarter, Clinical nutrition, Presurgical Nutrition, Recovery Supplements, Support Surgical Healing, Collagen, Physician Guided Nutrition
What’s the difference between an anatomic vs reverse shoulder replacement?
An anatomic shoulder replacement mimics your natural shoulder structure, placing the ball and socket where they normally are. This option works best when your rotator cuff is still healthy and able to support movement.
A reverse shoulder replacement switches the ball and socket positions. This design allows other muscles, like the deltoid, to do the work when the rotator cuff is severely damaged or torn, helping restore function and reduce pain.
Not sure which option is right for you or if you even need surgery?
If you’d like expert guidance, you can have your shoulder MRI reviewed directly by a specialist here:
/product/mrireview
#shoulderreplacement #orthopedics #shouldersurgery #rotatorcuff #shoulderpain #jointhealth #surgeon #medicaleducation #health #wellness #longevity #painrelief #ShoulderPainRelief #ShoulderInjury #ShoulderCare #doctor #doctors #surgeon #shoulder #orthopedics #shouldersurgeryrecovery #wellness #lifehacks #longevity #health #rotatorcuff #shouldersurgery #muscle #bones #PatrickDenardMD #ShoulderMRI #ShoulderInjury
If you’re under 50 and dealing with shoulder arthritis, your treatment options matter more than ever.
Should you go for joint replacement or explore less invasive approaches first?
In this article, we break down the outcomes of comprehensive arthroscopic management compared to total shoulder arthroplasty and hemiarthroplasty in younger patients with primary glenohumeral arthritis so you can better understand what may be right for you.
Read the full study here: /10.1530/EOR-2023-0156
#shoulderarthritis #orthopedics #sportsmedicine #shouldersurgery #arthroscopy #jointreplacement #healthresearch #doctor #doctors #surgeon #shoulder #orthopedics #shouldersurgeryrecovery #wellness #lifehacks #longevity #health #rotatorcuff #shouldersurgery #muscle #bones #ShoulderPainRelief #PatrickDenardMD #ShoulderMRI #ShoulderInjury
