Total Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation

Download print version (1.6Mb)

Before Discharge

Day 1: Vacuum drain removed from wound. Neurovascular status checked. There will be a dissolving stitch in the wound with paper stitches and a dressing over the top. You may shower with the dressings on but do not immerse the wound in water for 2 weeks. The paper stitches will peel off easily. No stitches need to be removed. Start gentle exercises to prevent elbow and wrist from becoming stiff.

Day 2 (approx): Xrays to confirm implant position, reduce analgesia requirements Start exercises for the shoulder:

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

 

Download instruction sheet 1. (490k)

Day 4 Increase exercises as per instruction sheet 2

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

 

Download instruction sheet 2. (320k)

Discharge: When comfortable. This is usually 3-6 days.

10 days Increase exercises as per instruction sheet 3

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
Figure 4

 

Download instruction sheet 3. (460k)

12 Days Include exercises as per instruction sheet 4

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

 

Download instruction sheet 4. (470k)

2 weeks Outpatient appointment to check wound Assesment of progress

6 weeks Outpatient appointment to review progress

12 weeks Outpatient appointment to review progress Aim: Active range of movement 50% pre-op

24 weeks Outpatient appointment Aim: Increasing strength and functional level. Active range of motion to 100% of pre-op

Outpatient appointments then at 1 year post op and yearly afterwards with Xrays to confirm prosthesis position.