Tips For Reverse Shoulder Replacement Rehab

Total shoulder replacement surgery helps to reduce pain and restore function and range of motion for people who suffer from painful shoulder arthritis. The surgery has a high success rate, but it doesn’t provide sufficient relief for those who have developed “cuff tear arthropathy,” a degenerative arthritis of the shoulder resulting from a large rotator cuff tear. A conventional shoulder replacement is designed to work only if the rotator cuff tendons are intact, but for individuals with cuff tear arthropathy, those muscles no longer function properly. A reverse shoulder replacement is a better option for those with cuff tear arthropathy because it relies on the deltoid muscle instead of the rotator cuff to power the arm. Like any joint replacement surgery, rehabilitation is a key to the success of the reverse shoulder replacement. 

Rehabilitation for reverse shoulder replacement

Rehabilitation for reverse shoulder replacement should begin immediately after surgery.  Ice or heat therapy can help manage pain swelling, and manual joint range-of-motion techniques done by the physical therapist can help stimulate circulation and promote healing.  A sling must be worn to minimize the movement of your healing arm while providing support.

The goal of rehabilitation during the first 6 weeks following shoulder replacement surgery is to protect the surgical wound, minimize pain, reduce swelling, maintain active range of motion in the elbow hand and wrist, and gradually increase passive range of motion in the shoulder. 

Exercises during the early postoperative period may include:

• Elbow bends

• Hand squeezes

• Pendulums - Hold onto a chair, table or bed. Bend forward and let your arm hang loosely toward the ground. Shift your hips gently side to side so the arm swings like an elephant’s trunk. 

The next phase of rehabilitation, weeks 6-12, typically involves continued management of pain and swelling as well as stretching and strengthening exercises to gently increase range of motion and restore strength to the muscles around the shoulder joint.

Exercises during this phase may include: 

• Shoulder flexion - Lie on your back. Hold a stick in both hands. Raise your arms up and overhead. In the earlier weeks, your physical therapist may instruct you to use your healthy arm to raise your operated arm up and overhead. 

• Scap retraction - With your spine in a neutral position, squeeze your shoulder blades together without allowing your shoulders to shrug upward.

• Back towel stretch - Grasp a towel in both hands. Put the operated hand behind your back and use the healthy arm to gently pull the operated arm upward. 

Around the 3-month mark, your treatment plan should include strengthening exercises to help  you progress to your specific goals, whether that means gardening, swimming, golfing, or holding your grandchildren.

Tips for reverse shoulder replacement rehabilitation recovery

Achieving complete recovery after a shoulder replacement surgery can take 6 months to a year, but by following these tips, you can help speed the process along and get back to doing the things you love—pain free!

• Take time to rest and recover

• Sleep carefully

• Wear your sling as instructed by your surgeon and physical therapist

• Start rehab as soon as possible

• Follow your rehabilitation plan carefully

• Stay consistent with your exercises 

A successful recovery also depends on the quality of your rehabilitation team and the consistency of your communication with them. The more you put into your reverse shoulder replacement rehabilitation, the more you’ll get out of it. 

Joint replacement rehabilitation in San Diego

If you or someone you love has undergone shoulder replacement surgery, or if you’re planning ahead for a future joint replacement surgery, Bella Vista Health Center is here to provide a safe transition from hospital to home. Our total joint replacement therapy rehab program provides customized treatment plans designed to empower each patient and rehabilitate them back to their personal best. For more information on our rehabilitation programs, or to schedule a tour of our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in Lemon Grove, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today. 

How to Recover After Shoulder Surgery

We rely on our shoulders for a number of daily activities that we do without a moment’s thought: carrying groceries, putting away dishes, sweeping the floor, and embracing our loved ones. The shoulder is one of the loosest joints in the body, and its flexibility is one of its greatest strengths. Unfortunately, this freedom of movement also makes the shoulder vulnerable to injury. Common shoulder problems include rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocation, frozen shoulder, fractured collarbone and AC joint separation, osteoarthritis, and bursitis or tendinitis. Often, non-surgical treatments can help restore shoulder function and provide relief from pain. But sometimes, shoulder surgery is the best option for advanced or severe shoulder issues.  

If your doctor has recommended shoulder surgery, he or she has probably also informed you that you should not expect to recover overnight.  Although healing from shoulder surgery takes time, there are some things you can do to help accelerate the process.  Whether you plan to recover at home or at a skilled nursing facility, take a look at the following 7 tips for how to best recover after shoulder surgery. 

1. Follow your doctor’s instructions

Chances are, you chose a skilled and experienced surgeon to perform your shoulder surgery. So you should also trust that he or she wants you to heal as quickly as possible and would not steer you wrong by way of post-op instructions. Your doctor will likely prescribe pain medication and antibiotics, ask you to keep the shoulder immobile for a number of weeks, and suggest that you refrain from certain movements and activities. Following these instructions carefully is the first part of a healthy recovery from your shoulder surgery.

2. Maintain a healthy diet

Proper nutrition during recovery from a shoulder injury provides your body with what it needs to heal and repair.  Foods high in vitamins C and E and a diet high in lean protein will help promote proper healing, reduce inflammation, and fight off infection. A healthy diet during this time can also help prevent weight gain and minimize the risk of depression that sometimes sets in during periods of limited activities. 

3. Sleep well

Sleep plays a significant role in the body’s healing process. It’s not just the amount of sleep we get that’s important, but also the quality of sleep.  When recovering from shoulder surgery, it can be difficult to achieve deep, healthy sleep.  You may benefit from sleeping in a reclined position rather than flat on your back.  Timing your pain medications to a half-hour or so before you go to bed can help as well. Wearing your sling at night may keep your shoulder from moving into painful positions while you sleep. Ask your doctor for further recommendations on how to get the best sleep possible while you recover from your shoulder surgery. 

4. Participate in physical therapy

Physical therapy is an important part of recovery from shoulder surgery. It helps to accelerate healing and restore strength, mobility, and range of motion. Physical therapy will begin shortly after your surgery, though the shoulder itself will remain immobile in those first days and weeks.  Early therapy may include flexing the wrist and fingers, passive movement of the arm, and after a few weeks, your physical therapist will introduce gradual movement of the shoulder and strength training. It’s crucial to participate in physical therapy at the pace set by your therapist.

5. Practice patience

Recovery from shoulder surgery is a process that requires time and patience. If you are accustomed to an active lifestyle, it may be challenging to wear a sling and limit your activities to those approved by your doctor, but it’s important that you heed your doctor’s advice.  If you push yourself too soon, you risk further damage and disruption of the healing process.  Rest and patience are key factors when it comes to achieving a full recovery. 

6. Ask for help

In the early days and weeks following your shoulder surgery, some of the daily tasks you are accustomed to will be difficult or impossible to do on your own.  It’s important that you ask for help when you need it rather than putting your recovery at risk by attempting to do it all on your own. Sometimes, a short-term rehabilitation program in a skilled nursing facility is the best option for getting the rest and help you need during your recovery period. The skilled nursing care, assistance with activities of daily living, on-site physical therapy and occupational therapy, and nutritious meals provided in a therapeutic environment will allow you to focus on healing, building strength, and regaining your independence.

7. Follow up with your doctor

In the year or so following your surgery, your doctor will likely want to see you for several follow-up visits to make sure you are healing and progressing as expected.  Scheduling and attending these appointments as advised by your doctor is an important part of ensuring that you regain as much strength, mobility, and function in your shoulder as possible.  

Bella Vista provides a nurturing environment for recovery in San Diego

At Bella Vista Health Center, we offer short-term rehabilitation for patients recuperating from surgery, injury, or illness.  Our 5-star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove provides a warm, welcoming environment as well as top-notch medical professionals dedicated to helping patients achieve full recovery in the shortest time possible. If you or a loved one is seeking a place to transition from hospital to home, please give us a call to schedule a tour today. We look forward to serving you.