Range of Motion (ROM)
• Passive ROM: Begin immediately after surgery.
• Active ROM: Begin immediately after surgery.
• Light Strength Training: Can start immediately post-surgery.
• Sling Usage: Discontinue the sling at your convenience, as comfort permits.
Movement
• To prevent stiffness, flex and extend your elbow, shoulder, hand, wrist, and fingers 3 to 4 times a day.
Dressing/Bandages
• Keep the surgical dressing clean and dry. Retain the dressing until your postoperative appointment.
Temperature Monitoring
• It is normal to have a slightly elevated temperature for the first 2-3 days after surgery. Please contact our office if:
• Your temperature rises above 101°F.
• There is increased redness around the incision sites.
• Increased drainage from the incision sites is observed.
Medications
• Nerve Block: The effects will wear off over 18-24 hours, during which you may experience little to no feeling in the operated area (e.g., arm). To manage pain as the block wears off:
• Tylenol: 1 gram (two 500 mg tablets) orally after food every 8 hours, starting immediately after surgery.
• Naproxen: 500 mg orally after food twice daily, starting immediately after surgery.
• Aspirin: 81 mg orally after food twice daily, starting the evening after surgery.
• Oxycodone: 5 mg tablets can be taken as needed for residual pain despite other medications. Begin taking every 4-8 hours as needed, and consider halving the dose every 8-12 hours after the first week. Use one tablet one hour before physical therapy if helpful.
• Note: Do not use oxycodone as a sleep aid. If experiencing pain at night, consider replacing the evening dose of Tylenol with Tylenol PM. Do not exceed 4 grams of Tylenol per day.
Q. What does the initial recovery phase involve after a Total Shoulder Replacement?
A. After surgery, you will need to wear a shoulder sling to support the joint. Gentle motion exercises are recommended starting the day after surgery to help prevent stiffness. These initial exercises typically include passive movements where your arm is moved without your muscle engagement.
Q. When can I start physical therapy after my shoulder replacement surgery?
A. Physical therapy generally begins soon after surgery, often within the first few days. It starts with passive exercises to help maintain joint mobility and gradually progresses to active exercises as your pain decreases and healing progresses.
Q. How long until I can return to normal activities after shoulder replacement?
A. The timeline for returning to normal activities can vary, but many patients are able to engage in light activities like desk work within 2 to 6 weeks post-surgery. Full recovery and the ability to participate in strenuous activities can take several months, depending on individual progress and doctor’s advice.
Q. What are the signs of complications I should watch for during my recovery?
A. Watch for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or pus at the incision site, and fever above 101°F. Experiencing severe pain, numbness, or a decrease in your ability to move the shoulder are also critical signs that require immediate medical attention. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor your recovery and address any issues promptly.