How to Recover From Shoulder Replacement

The recovery process for shoulder replacement surgery is lengthy, although the patient will only be hospitalized for about two days. The patient will then leave the hospital with his arm in a sling, which must be worn for up to six weeks after the surgery. Most patients who have this surgery will eventually regain full use of their shoulders and will be able to resume the lives they had before the surgery. However, the patient will spend the first two weeks after surgery helping his shoulder recover.

Things You'll Need

• Cold pack
• Anti-inflammatory medicine
• Bandages

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Instructions

• 1

  Take deep breaths. This will help keep your lungs from becoming congested due to t he surgery. Coughing will also clear out your lungs.

• 2

  Use a cold pack to relieve pain and swelling. The hospital may provide an icing device known as a Cryocyff. If your insurance does not cover the in-home use of the Cryocoff, you can use an ice pack instead. Place it on your shoulder as needed to ease discomfort.

• 3

  Exercise your healing shoulder. Start using your hand as soon as the anesthesia wears off. This will keep your circulation going. Try to make a fist and hold it for a few seconds. Do this regularly. Your doctor will recommend specific exercises for your arm and shoulder to increase strength and mobility. It is important for you to stick to your exercise routine because it will aid your recovery.

• 4

  Take your medications. Use the recommended dosage of your anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce your risk for blood clots. Take the pain medication as needed.

• 5

  Keep your incision area clean. Get immediate medical attention if you notice fluid coming from your incision, if it becomes sore and swollen, or if you develop a fever. Your stitches will be covered by a bandage. Change the bandage if it becomes wet or dirty. This will reduce your risk for developing an infection. Avoid showering or getting into a bath tub until your follow-up visit with your physician.

• 6

  Find out when you can resume your normal daily activities. You can ask your physician about this during your third follow-up visit, which will likely occur around six weeks after your shoulder replacement surgery. By then, you should have full use of your shoulder. You may be able to start driving again and return to work, at this point.