Rehabilitation Timeline After Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Now that your shoulder replacement surgery is complete, you may have many questions. What can you expect during your recovery period? How long will your recovery take? Will you be in any pain? When will you be able to use your arm? When will you be able to go back to work? Find some answers below.

After Surgery and in the Hospital

When surgery is completed, your surgeon will update your family and friends on your condition and progress. You will remain in the recovery room for at least an hour or until the anesthesia has worn off and your blood pressure and pulse are stable. If you have pain, the nurses will give you medication.

Once out of surgery, your surgeon will decide whether your arm will be in a shoulder splint or shoulder immobilizer, in order to protect and position your shoulder. However, this immobility won't keep you from starting the physical therapy regimen.

Exercises begin on the day after surgery with emphasis on the shoulder, wrist, and hand. You will also be encouraged to use your arm for some simple activities like feeding yourself, brushing your teeth, and shaving. With surgeon approval, strengthening exercises will begin at about four weeks. This delay is necessary to allow the tissues to heal.

When You Are Discharged from the Hospital

You can expect to be released from the hospital one to two days after surgery. Before you are released, your surgeon and physical therapist will talk with you about the importance of limiting any sudden or stressful movements to the arm for several weeks or longer. Activities that involve pushing, pulling, and lifting will not be possible until you are given permission from your surgeon.

Your First Day at Home

You may need help with your daily activities, so it is a good idea to have family and friends prepared to help you. With their help, you will need to do the exercises you learned while in the hospital, four to six times daily. These exercises gradually increase the movement in your joint, so it is important to do them as scheduled.

Don't forget to wear the sling every night for at least the first month after surgery, and never use your arm to push yourself up in bed or from a chair. The added weight on your shoulder may cause you to re-injure the joint.

How to Cope in the First Week

You are encouraged to return to your normal eating and sleeping patterns as soon as possible. It is important for you to be active in order to control your weight and muscle tone. But remember to increase your activity level or exercises only as your surgeon has directed.

You might be able to return to work within several days. Consult with your doctor, as this differs from patient to patient. However, if your job requires heavy lifting or climbing, there may be a delay for several months.

Until you see your surgeon for your first follow-up visit, make certain that your wound stays dry and is not draining. If you notice any drainage or a foul odor from your incision, please contact your surgeon. Also, if your temperature goes above 100.4 degrees, call your surgeon.

What You Can Expect in the First Month

Your stitches will be removed seven to 10 days after surgery, but remember it is quite common to still experience pain surrounding the surgical site.

You will begin a formal physical therapy program 10 to 14 days after surgery. Four to six weeks after surgery, you will start a progressive strengthening program. Physical therapy is a deliberate process of not only strengthening your shoulder but also altering how you use your arm. It may be many months before your desired results are achieved, so do not get discouraged.

Your shoulder will generally continue to improve steadily up to five to six months after surgery. After that point further improvement is very slow; although it has been shown that even after a year or more, activity can increase as muscle strength continues to improve.

When can you get behind the wheel of your car? Driving should wait until you can perform the necessary functions comfortably and confidently. This may take up to one month or longer if the surgery has been performed on the right shoulder because of the increased demands for shifting gears. But only your surgeon can give you the proper advice in this area.

Six Weeks after Surgery and Beyond

Keep in mind that you will need to be seen by your surgeon six weeks, five months, and 12 months after your surgery. You may also see your surgeon once a year after the first year, even if you are not having any problems.

Because each person heals differently, there are different recovery timelines. But in general, an average recovery period typically lasts three to six months. You should not play contact sports or do heavy lifting for at least six months to avoid re-injuring your shoulder.

Last Updated: 09/07/2007