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Therapy Following Shoulder Arthroplasty

Shoulder arthroplasty is an orthopedic surgery in which the shoulder joint is either totally or partially replaced. Shoulder surgery takes a great deal of rehabilitation. Therapy will usually be broken down in three phases. These phases help strengthen the new shoulder slowly to prevent injury and to keep the shoulder from stiffening and losing range of motion.

  1. Phase One

    • Protect the arm with a sling to reduce weight being put on the shoulder and to reduce mobility. Exercises for mobility can be performed 24 to 48 hours after the surgery. These exercises include pendulum swings with the arm in the sling to help increase range of motion. The shoulder at no time should be slept on or should any weight be put upon it. Driving during this period is not allowed. Medication will be taken at this time to reduce swelling and pain.

    Phase Two

    • Continue protecting the joint to prevent injury to the replacement. The sling will be taken off, allowing for a swing of the arm. Little weight should be lifted with the arm, instead light stretching should take place using gravity to strengthen the muscles in the shoulder. The arm can be moved but should not be lifted above the head at this time. Stretches should be assisted by an exercise partner.

    Phase Three

    • Perform strengthening exercises to increase the shoulder's strength. Exercises should focus on strengthening the deltoid muscle group and the upper part of the arm. Jerking motions should still be avoided at this time. Lifting above the shoulder should still be avoided, as well as lifting weights over 5 to 10 pounds. Pool exercises for resistance should be undertaken to strengthen the shoulder muscles. Although exercise is used freely in this phase, overexerting the muscles should be avoided at all cost.

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