Undergoing shoulder replacement is a significant moment in your health journey. This article will walk you through the recovery process, what physical therapy entails, pain management, and more, so that you can feel empowered and prepared.
Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip, a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon based in Austin, Texas, and his team are ready to guide you through the entire process. If you’d like to schedule a consultation or ask questions about shoulder arthroplasty, don’t hesitate to contact our practice today.
The surgical procedure for shoulder replacement typically begins with your orthopedic surgeon removing the damaged part of the shoulder joint and replacing it with a prosthetic component attached to the upper arm bone (humerus) and often the shoulder blade (scapula). This applies whether you have an anatomic total shoulder replacement or a reverse shoulder replacement. A partial shoulder replacement will replace just the head of the humerus.
In the initial weeks following surgery, you’ll likely wear a shoulder sling to immobilize the joint and protect your new shoulder joint while the tissues heal. The first few weeks are about controlling pain, reducing inflammation, and establishing blood flow around the repair site to support healing. As you transition into the early stages of recovery, you’ll shift from passive motion and gentle movement into more active and strengthening exercises.
For many patients, what to expect after shoulder replacement surgery includes a gradual increase in mobility, the avoidance of heavy lifting or contact sports until cleared by your surgeon, and consistent follow-up with your care team.
Physical therapy is a cornerstone of the rehabilitation process. Your physical therapist will guide you through rehabilitative exercises designed to restore motion, strength, and function to your new shoulder joint. Initially, you’ll focus on gentle passive movements and range-of-motion work; over time, you’ll move into strengthening exercises and gradually increase your activity level.
Ice therapy may be used to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or nerve block techniques support pain relief during the early stages. Your physical therapist will also help you understand how to perform safe home exercises and monitor progress in your daily living tasks.
As mobility improves, “more active movements” are introduced, and you start using the arm more functionally. Your progress will always be guided by your care team. The goal is to regain significantly improved motion and strength compared to pre-surgery levels, especially if shoulder pain and limited mobility were major issues before surgery.
After shoulder surgery, managing pain is not just to help you feel comfortable; it will help you to participate in the rehabilitation process effectively. Pain medication prescribed by your orthopedic surgeon will help initially. In the first few weeks, you may also rely on ice therapy, rest, and your sling to keep the surgical site protected and reduce swelling.
Vital signs and general anesthesia recovery immediately post-op are monitored carefully, and once you’re home, your pain management continues through planned doses of medication, helping you to feel comfortable and get enough sleep. Some patients respond well to adjunct methods such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation to reduce pain signals.
By keeping discomfort under control, you’re better able to engage in physical therapy and home exercises, which in turn fosters better outcomes. Remember that some stiffness, soreness, and limited mobility are normal, but if you have increasing pain, redness, fever, or unusual swelling, you should contact your surgeon promptly.
For a successful recovery, follow some of these tips:
While shoulder replacements are generally safe when performed by an experienced surgeon, potential complications exist. Complications may include the following:
If your rehab is stalled and you’re still experiencing significant shoulder pain or restricted motion, it’s important to follow up with your orthopedic surgeon. Awareness of these risks helps ensure that if something begins to go off track, adjustments can be made quickly.
The recovery timeline can differ based on factors such as your age, overall health, surgical procedure type (anatomic total shoulder replacement vs. reverse shoulder replacement vs. partial shoulder replacement), and pre-surgery condition, for example, significant rotator cuff damage.
Typically, in the initial weeks, you’ll be in the sling and focusing on motion and basic activities of daily living. By 6-12 weeks, many patients begin more active strengthening exercises and improved function. For most patients, a successful recovery, returning to most normal activities without restrictions, can occur between 3 to 6 months. Full recovery, including high-level functional tasks, may take up to 12 months.
Your surgeon and physical therapist will tailor the pace for you, but always remember to avoid heavy lifting or extreme use of the arm until your new joint is well integrated and muscles around the shoulder are strong.
If you’re ready to move forward with shoulder replacement surgery or want to understand your options and recovery, reach out to Dr. Benjamin W. Szerlip. As a fellowship-trained shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, he specializes in shoulder replacements and can help map out a clear and safe pathway to a successful recovery.
Contact our Austin, Texas, practice today for a consultation and let the care team support your journey toward improved shoulder function and a stronger future.
There are several options for shoulder replacement:
Sling duration varies by patient and surgical type, but generally, you’ll wear it during the initial weeks post-surgery until your physical therapist and surgeon agree you’re safe to move the shoulder more freely.
If your job involves light activities and sitting, many patients return within 4-6 weeks. However, driving is typically allowed once you’re off narcotic pain medication and can safely operate a vehicle. Confirmation from your surgeon is essential.
Sudden sharp pain, increased swelling, redness, or fever may indicate a complication such as infection or a blood clot. Contact your surgeon’s office immediately; early treatment is crucial.
While no joint is ever exactly like the original, most patients experience significantly improved shoulder pain relief, increased mobility, and strength. By adhering to the rehabilitation process, you can achieve a successful recovery and return to many of your normal activities.
