Total Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation Protocol
The time-lines mentioned are approximate and actual progression depends on individual recovery. Total recover can take 10-12 months, but significant functional gains can be expected by 12 weeks.
You will need to wear a sling for 4 weeks, including at night. Please remove the sling for shower and for exercises 3-5 times daily for 15-20 minutes each time.
Please follow the advice and exercises demonstrated by your surgeon and your physiotherapist to give yourself the best possible chance of recovery and a good outcome.
Your therapist will incorporate these exercises into your daily home exercise regimen.
We encourage Hydrotherapy commencing 2-3 weeks after surgery. The warm water and buoyancy allows for comfort and less pain during exercises and muscle relaxation.
Do not perform forceful exercises. Perform exercises within the limits of pain and allow for a gradual return of movements over time.
For the first 2 weeks – Apply icepacks 3-5 times daily for 10 minutes each time.
Remember to take pain medication as advised to assist with exercises and keeping you comfortable.
First 6 weeks
5 times daily exercises out of sling.
Self-stretching shoulder exercises as per protocol.
Passive and gentle active-assisted forward elevation and rotations to neutral position only form the mainstay.
The Physiotherapist will see you in the hospital before discharge. Please follow his / her advice and the self-stretching exercises in the sheet will be incorporated in your home exercise regimen.
Pendulum, Stick-assisted and pulley exercises as tolerated.
Start scapular retraction and shoulder shrugging as soon as able.
Elbow, wrist and hand exercises.
Can start ADLs (activities of daily living like eating, writing, typing, etc.) after 2 weeks with above limitations in movement.
Maximum weight you can lift is a cup of tea.
6-12 weeks
Gradually progress with ADLs.
Progress with Active-assisted exercises. Can start active ROM exercises. No restrictions to range.
