What to Expect After Total Shoulder Replacement

Knowing what to expect after total shoulder replacement surgery can help ease your recovery journey. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at each stage, starting with hospital monitoring and ending with long-term recovery.

• Total shoulder replacement involves replacing damaged joint components to help relieve pain and improve function.
• Effective pain management post-surgery is important and may include nerve blocks, medications, and ice therapy.
• Physical therapy and a tailored home exercise program aim to help restore shoulder strength and mobility after surgery.

Total shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving shoulder pain and improving shoulder function by replacing damaged parts of the shoulder joint with artificial components.

There are different types of shoulder replacements, such as anatomic total shoulder replacement, where the components mimic the natural anatomy of the shoulder, and reverse total shoulder replacement, which is typically performed when the rotator cuff is severely damaged. In the latter, the ball and socket of the shoulder joint are switched, allowing other muscles to take over the function of the damaged rotator cuff.

Shoulder replacement surgery might be recommended for individuals suffering from severe shoulder arthritis or those who have sustained significant injuries to the shoulder. Consulting with an experienced orthopedic surgeon can help patients determine the best course of action tailored to their specific condition and lifestyle needs.

Immediately following shoulder replacement surgery, patients are moved to the recovery room. During this time, vital signs and pain levels are closely monitored. A nerve block is commonly used during the surgery to numb the operated arm. This nerve block generally plays a key role in keeping discomfort at bay immediately after surgery, supporting the patient to rest and begin the healing process with minimal pain.

Your healthcare team may recommend a combination of methods, including medication, to reduce pain and support proper healing.

Many patients can return home the day of their surgery if they are medically stable and their pain is well-controlled. Some patients may be advised to stay in the hospital for one to two nights for additional monitoring and care.

Before discharge, your care team will evaluate your readiness to go home. You will receive discharge instructions, ensuring you understand how to care for your surgical site, manage pain, and what signs of potential complications to watch for.

Managing pain effectively after shoulder surgery usually involves a combination of the following:

• Prescription medications
• Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Applying ice packs to the shoulder

A well-rounded pain management plan helps support a successful recovery. It not only helps alleviate discomfort but also may allow you to participate more actively in your rehabilitation process. Effective pain control enables more comfortable participation in physical therapy and rehabilitative exercises, which are important for regaining strength and mobility in your new shoulder joint.

Most patients are advised to wear a shoulder sling for four to six weeks following surgery. The sling helps immobilize the shoulder joint, protecting the surgical site.

It’s important to ensure that the sling is properly adjusted to provide optimal comfort and support. While wearing the sling, gentle passive movements, as advised by your surgeon and physical therapist, may help prevent stiffness without compromising the healing process.

The early stages of recovery help set the foundation for a successful rehabilitation. During this period, keep in mind the following precautions that may be recommended by your surgeon:

• Avoid lifting heavy objects with your operated arm.
• Avoid making sudden or jerky movements with your operated arm.
• Refrain from intense activities like sports or heavy lifting to protect your new shoulder joint.

Within several weeks post-surgery, many patients can begin to engage in light daily living activities, such as dressing and performing gentle household tasks. Keeping up with a tailored home exercise plan can be helpful in maintaining improvements in shoulder strength and flexibility. Diligently following your rehabilitation program can help you return to normal activities more quickly and effectively during the first few weeks.

Physical therapy is typically a cornerstone of the recovery process after total shoulder replacement. It often plays a key role in improving mobility, reducing pain, and supporting the overall rehabilitation process.

Your rehabilitation program will be tailored to your specific needs and goals, taking into account your progress and any challenges you may face. Rehabilitative exercises may begin the day after surgery, focusing on gentle movements to prevent stiffness and enhance flexibility. These initial exercises are helpful in maintaining a range of motion in your shoulder and setting the stage for more active movements.

As your healing progresses, the intensity of your physical therapy will gradually increase. Your physical therapist will tailor the exercises to your recovery progress, ensuring appropriate challenges without overstraining your new shoulder joint.

While timelines can vary, long-term recovery after shoulder replacement surgery requires time, patience, and dedication. Staying committed to your rehabilitation and following your care team’s advice can help improve your overall health and quality of life.

As your recovery progresses, your care team may also guide you on returning to work, driving, and recreational activities. Timelines can vary depending on your overall health, the type of work you do, and how your shoulder heals:

• Returning to work: Patients with desk jobs can generally return within a few weeks, while those with physically demanding jobs may be recommended to wait weeks to months before resuming regular duties.
• Driving: In many cases, driving is not advised until the patient is no longer using a sling and can comfortably control the steering wheel with both arms.
• Sports and exercise: Low-impact activities such as walking or cycling may be encouraged once cleared by your surgeon. High-impact or overhead sports may need to be modified or avoided to protect the shoulder joint.

Making adjustments to your lifestyle during recovery helps protect your new shoulder joint and supports long-term success. Your surgeon and physical therapist can provide personalized recommendations based on your activity level and goals.

Recovery after total shoulder replacement involves several key stages: post-surgical monitoring, pain control, sling use, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation. Patient education and consistency with exercises are important throughout the process. While recovery can take time, commitment to the process can improve the likelihood of restoring function and reducing pain, helping patients return to an active lifestyle.

For many patients, total shoulder replacement surgery can alleviate pain and enhance shoulder mobility, often enabling a return to daily activities and an active lifestyle.

Total shoulder replacement surgery is commonly performed to treat shoulder pain resulting from arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This procedure aims to relieve pain and restore function in the affected joint.

Some patients may return home the same day of the procedure if they are stable and their pain is managed effectively. Others may be recommended to stay overnight.

Most patients begin with gentle movements the day after surgery, with therapy progressing as healing allows.