Total shoulder joint replacement for shoulder arthritis: Surgery with a dependable, time-tested conservative prosthesis and accelerated rehabilitation can lessen pain and improve function in shoulders with arthritis.
Edited By: Frederick A. Matsen III, M.D., Winston J. Warme, MD
Last updated Tuesday, July 08, 2008
RehabilitationWhat types of physical therapy do patients require after shoulder replacement surgery for shoulder arthritis? Early motion after total shoulder replacement is critical for achieving optimal shoulder function.
Arthritic shoulders are stiff. One of the major goals of total
shoulder replacement surgery is to relieve much of this stiffness.
However, after surgery scar tissue will tend to recur and limit
movement unless motion is started immediately. This early motion is
facilitated by the complete surgical release of the tight tissues so
that after surgery the patient has only to maintain the range of motion
achieved at the operation. Later on, once the shoulder is comfortable
and flexible, strengthening exercises and additional activities are
started. What options exist for rehabilitation after shoulder replacement surgery for shoulder arthritis? It is often most effective for the patient to carry out their own
exercises so that they are done frequently, effectively and
comfortably. Usually, a physical therapist or the surgeon instructs the
patient in the exercise program and advances it at a rate that is
comfortable for the patient. For the first six weeks after surgery,
emphasis is placed on optimizing the flexibility and range of motion of
the shoulder through gentle stretching exercises. After six weeks,
these stretching exercises are continued and strengthening exercises
are added.Can this rehabilitation after shoulder replacement surgery for shoulder arthritis be done at home? In general the exercises are best performed by the patient at home.
Occasional visits to the surgeon or therapist may be useful to check
the progress and to review the program.What is the usual response to rehabilitation after shoulder replacement surgery for shoulder arthritis? Patients are almost always satisfied with the increases in range of
motion, comfort and function that they achieve with the exercise
program. If the exercises are uncomfortable, difficult, or painful, the
patient should contact the therapist or surgeon promptly.Are there risks to rehabilitation after shoulder replacement surgery for shoulder arthritis? This is a safe rehabilitation program with little risk.How long will rehabilitation after shoulder replacement surgery for shoulder arthritis need to be continued? Once the range of motion and strength goals are achieved, the exercise
program can be cut back to a minimal level. However, gentle stretching
is recommended on an ongoing basis.How long after shoulder replacement surgery for shoulder arthritis will patients be able to return to ordinary daily activities? In general, patients are able to perform gentle activities of daily
living using the operated arm from two to six weeks after surgery.
Walking is strongly encouraged. Driving should wait until the patient
can perform the necessary functions comfortably and confidently.
Recovery of driving ability may take six weeks if the surgery has been
performed on the right shoulder, because of the increased demands on
the right shoulder for shifting gears.
With the consent of their surgeon, patients can often return to
activities such as swimming, golf and tennis at six months after their
surgery. After full recovery and rehabilitation from shoulder replacement surgery for shoulder arthritis, what are the limitations on the patient? Patients should avoid activities that involve major impact (chopping
wood, contact sports, sports with major risk of falls) or heavy loads
(lifting of heavy weights, heavy resistance exercises). These
activities may increase the chance of rotator cuff tear, loosening,
wear or fracture.How can the costs of rehabilitation after shoulder replacement surgery for shoulder arthritis be anticipated? The surgeon and therapist should provide the information on the usual
cost of the rehabilitation program. The program is quite
cost-effective, because it is based heavily on home exercises.
Surgery for shoulder arthritis at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-7416 to make an appointment.
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