Shoulder replacement recovery timeline.
By ShareMD Connect
If your shoulder is causing you pain or weakness to the point that you can’t reach into a cabinet, perform regular daily tasks, or can’t sleep well, you might be considering shoulder replacement surgery, or shoulder arthroplasty. This procedure can help to relieve your pain and increase mobility. There are a few types of shoulder arthroplasty procedures available, and your orthopedic surgeon can assess which would be best for you. To learn more about the types of shoulder replacement, click here. While full recovery from shoulder replacement surgery could take up to a year, most individuals will be back to their normal routine within 3 months with a lot less pain. Everyone recovers at their own pace, and while your surgeon may have a different recovery plan in mind for you, here's a rough idea of what most people can expect.
Before Surgery
You will meet with your orthopedic surgeon for a preoperative evaluation to make sure you are in a good state for surgery. They will ask about your medical history and current medications, and likely examine your shoulder and discuss the recovery process ahead of time. You may need blood tests and/or an X-ray and CT scan as well.
This is the time you should ask all your questions about your shoulder surgery, the recovery plan, medications you will be prescribed, and any other relevant question you have. Having this information ahead of surgery will help you and your loved ones as you recover.
Your doctor will likely tell you a list of things to do to best prepare yourself for surgery such as discontinuing tobacco products at least two months before surgery and for twelve months after surgery to help your body heal properly. They might also recommend that you do not schedule any dental procedures (even cleanings!) within four weeks of your surgery.
Day of the Shoulder Replacement
You will check-in at the hospital several hours before your scheduled surgery where a pre-op team will help get you ready for surgery. You will change into a hospital gown, possibly start an IV line, and go through preoperative safety checks and screening.
Your surgery could last two to three hours but you will be under general anesthesia and asleep before the surgeon begins. This will prevent you from feeling any pain during or have any awareness of the procedure. The surgery is typically done with a nerve block of the arm followed by a general anesthetic. The incision is in the front of the shoulder.
After surgery, you will go back to your recovery room for a few hours while the anesthesia wears off and so medical staff can monitor your vitals (blood pressure, pulse, alertness, etc.). During this time, you will be asked to breathe deeply into a device called an incentive spirometer that helps keep fluid out of your lungs that can build up while under anesthesia.
1–2 Days Post Surgery
You will be up and walking within 24 hours of your surgery, but your shoulder will be immobilized with the use of a sling which is typically recommended to wear for about 6 weeks. This is a vital component of your recovery. You’ll see different medical professionals such as doctors, nurses, and caseworkers. You will also see physical and occupational therapists who will help teach you how to move safely and with minimal pain. They will also give you a list of movements and activities you won’t be able to do.
Whether shoulder motion begins the day after surgery depends upon how well the base plate and ball are fixed to the socket by the screws. In a reverse shoulder surgery there is some dependence upon the bone healing around the base plate and screws. As a result, movement of the shoulder may be halted for a few days to a few weeks. Most patients are allowed to use their extremity to eat, read or use a keyboard within a few days after surgery. The amount the patient can lift the arm depends upon many factors and each patient is different.
Your physical therapist will prescribe strengthening and mobility exercises and will help you learn to take off your shoulder sling, shower sling, and your upper body clothing within your movement restrictions. They can help you recover the function in your shoulder and maintain the flexibility of your hand, forearm and elbow.
Some patients can leave the hospital on the same day of their surgery, and some require a longer stay. This is dependent on many factors.
Before you leave the hospital, you and your caregivers will get tips on caring for your new shoulder.
To ensure a smooth transition:
- Arrange for loved ones to have meals prepared for you since you will be unable to prepare meals for yourself initially.
- Place everyday items at waist level, so you won't have to bend down or reach up.
- Consider making some modifications to your home, such as getting a raised toilet seat if you have an unusually low toilet.
- Put things you need, such as your phone, tissues, TV remote, medicine, and books near the area where you'll be spending most of your time during recovery.
- If you live alone or with someone who cannot physically help you, make arrangements for someone capable of physically assisting you to either stay with you or come to assist you throughout the day.
3 to 7 Days After Shoulder Replacement
You will gradually be getting into a rehabilitation routine with exercises specifically designed to keep your recovery moving forward and improving range of motion over the course of the next year. You may get home visits from nurses and the physical therapist. It is important to stick to their exercise regimen even when they are not there. Move about as much as possible. This will help maintain good blood flow in your legs and help prevent blood clots. You should need less pain medication as time goes on.
1 to 2 Weeks After Shoulder Replacement
At your follow-up appointment with your surgeon, your incision will be assessed and you will be given instructions on bathing and other activities. You may be attending an outpatient physical therapy program, usually about 2 times per week for about 6 weeks. You should experience diminished pain and swelling.
3 to 6 Weeks After Shoulder Replacement
You will likely be able to perform most light activities. You may be allowed to start driving again and return to work, depending on your job duties.
10 to 12 Weeks After Shoulder Replacement
You should be able to return to all of your normal activities. Your surgeon will evaluate your progress and clear you for anything beyond daily functions. You should be able to get back into your regular routine, whether it be daily walking or strength training. It is important to note that recovery for the shoulder continues for about a year before you may feel entirely back to normal, but these first three months are when most of the recovery takes place.