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Shoulder Replacement Exercises

If you have had shoulder replacement surgery, it is important to exercise properly to recover your strength and range of motion. Your doctor will tell you when to begin exercising, usually the day after surgery, and what exercises you should perform. You may receive physical therapy in the hospital or as an outpatient. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the type and frequency of your activity and exercise.

  1. Strengthening Your Grip

    • This exercise works your hand to improve your grip strength and, by encouraging circulation, can help prevent the formation of blood clots. It also helps work the muscles of your arm. As instructed by your doctor or physical therapist, tightly grip a rubber ball of recommended size and density, hold for 10 seconds then release. Repeat as directed. A common recommendation is 30 repetitions performed three times daily.

    Retracting Your Shoulder Blades

    • This exercise helps your shoulder move better by making the muscles around your scapula, or shoulder blade, stronger. Stand up straight. Move your shoulder blades back toward the center of your back, as if you are trying to pinch something between them. Hold for 10 seconds or as directed, and then relax. Repeat as directed. A common recommendation is 30 repetitions performed three times daily.

    Arm Pendulum

    • Place the hand of your unaffected side on a table for support; bend at the waist. Your affected arm should hang freely from your shoulder, pointing toward the floor. Make 15 small clockwise circles with your hand, then 15 small counterclockwise circles, or as directed by your doctor or physical therapist. Repeat as directed. A common recommendation is 30 total circles performed three times daily.

    Consistency

    • With shoulder replacement surgery, as with most forms of orthopedic surgery, following your doctor's prescribed exercise recovery program is essential to your success. You may need to perform these exercises daily for a long period of time. This could be months; do not stop before the prescribed time has ended. You may feel much better soon after surgery, but do not push yourself to do too much too early; this could seriously affect your long-term recovery.

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