When you have shoulder replacement surgery, expect a period of recovery and shoulder replacement rehab afterwards. Range of motion exercises are key to regaining normal movement, flexibility and strength. What follows is a comprehensive guide to exercises which will reduce pain and maximize the use of your renewed shoulder joint.
The Benefits of Exercise After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Following your shoulder arthroplasty surgery, exercise is essential for a successful recovery. It reduces stiffness and pain, limits scar tissue formation and improves the range of motion in your shoulder joint.
Additionally, exercise can strengthen the muscles around your new shoulder joint. This stabilizes the joint and makes it more functional.
Range of motion exercises are particularly helpful as they increase flexibility and restore natural movement patterns in your shoulder joint. These exercises also reduce the painful inflammation and swelling which commonly happen in the immediate postoperative period.
Getting Started with Your Shoulder Exercises
After your shoulder replacement surgery, you will consult with your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist. They will assess your specific condition and guide you on when it is safe to exercise and to do routine activities of daily living, such as driving. They will also tell you what ordinary movements and exercises you can do, how to perform them and what you must avoid.
Some general recommendations for getting started with your range of motion exercises include:
- Begin slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your exercises over time.
- Use proper form and technique to avoid injury (your physical therapist will demonstrate the correct way to do each exercise).
- Listen to your body and avoid any exercises which cause serious pain or discomfort.
- Be consistent with your exercises to ensure steady progress toward full recovery.
Exercises For Shoulder Arthroplasty Rehabilitation
Pendulum Stretch
Stand next to a table or chair and lean forward, resting one hand on the surface for support. Let your injured arm hang straight down toward the floor. Swing the arm gently like a pendulum in a circular motion.
Shoulder Rolls
Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and arms relaxed by your sides. Slowly roll both shoulders forward, then up towards your ears and then back down to a neutral position.
Repeat this motion as your therapist recommends and then reverse the direction to roll backwards. This exercise helps improve mobility and strength in the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint.
External Rotation
This stretch is great for increasing the range of motion in your shoulder, but it should not be performed until 3 weeks after your surgery or later.
Stand next to a door or wall with one arm bent at a 90-degree angle. Press your forearm against the surface. Keep your elbow close to your side, and slowly rotate your forearm away from the surface until you feel a gentle stretch in your shoulder.
Hold for a few seconds, and then return to the starting position. This exercise targets the external rotator muscles of the shoulder which stabilize the joint.
Internal Rotation
Similar to the previous exercise, stand next to a door or wall. Bend one arm at a 90-degree angle and press the forearm against the surface.
Rotate your forearm towards the surface until you feel a stretch in your shoulder. Hold for a few seconds, and then return to the starting position. This exercise targets the internal rotator muscles of the shoulder, helping to maintain balance between muscle groups and to improve overall shoulder function.
In addition to these specific exercises which target different areas of the shoulder, here are some general shoulder replacement rehab tips and precautions to keep your shoulder healthy and working efficiently and comfortably.
These general tips include:
- Avoid lifting anything heavy for at least two months or until your doctor says what is OK and what is not.
- Do your exercises at the physical therapy clinic and at home to build on the progress you make.
- Avoid contact sports.
- Never move your arm past the point of pain. If a motion really hurts, stop doing it.
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Rehab in Punta Gorda, FL
At Advanced Orthopedic Center, our premier shoulder arthroplasty surgeon is Dr. Robert Stchur. He performs hundreds of traditional and reverse shoulder replacements every year. He is one of the top five busiest shoulder doctors in the United States.
If you are contemplating shoulder arthroplasty, arrange an in-office consultation with Dr. Stchur and get all the facts. Call Advanced Orthopedic Center for your appointment: (941) 629-6262.
We will be happy to see you in one of our three locations: Punta Gorda, Venice or Port Charlotte.
