Thanks to new medical technologies and surgical methods, shoulder replacement surgery is now more successful than ever before. The relatively new method of reverse shoulder replacement can give you a perfectly functioning shoulder even if you have severe shoulder arthritis that has severely damaged your rotator cuff, which comprises important muscles and tendons for moving the shoulder.
A regular shoulder replacement will work if your rotator cuff is intact, but a reverse shoulder replacement is warranted if this isn’t the case. You will receive a prosthetic ball-and-socket shoulder joint that is the reverse of a natural shoulder, in which your socket faces outward and the ball is attached on the outside for easy motion.
A key part of your recovery from this surgery is physical therapy, which facilitates the proper motion of the new prosthetic shoulder. If you undergo this innovative procedure, let’s talk about what your post-op physical therapy will involve.
What Kind of Shoulder Physical Therapy Will I Undergo?
The point of physical therapy after having joint surgery is to help you heal more quickly, control your pain, relieve stiffness, and increase normal function. Your orthopedic specialist will work with your physical therapist to create a specialized program that is designed to fit your needs and lifestyle, so you can get your shoulder back and working again.
Most patients will begin their physical therapy while wearing a sling. You’ll learn how to safely take your sling on and off, and how to position it properly. Also, you’ll receive valuable advice on how to get dressed and undressed, bathe, eat, and perform other daily tasks safely.
As you progress through the first weeks of your recovery, you will work through a series of guided passive and active exercises. Passive exercises are those that do not employ the use of your own muscles in the affected area, but are instead done by using the other hand or by your therapist moving your arm. Active exercises “actively” utilize the muscles in the affected arm.
What Exercises Will I Learn for My Shoulder?
These exercises will include doing the following with the affected arm:
- Stretching
- Pendulum-like motions
- Posture training
- Hand and arm strengthening exercises
- Reaching
- Carrying
- Practicing movements necessary to perform household tasks or your job
As you progress through your rehabilitation, you’ll find that your new shoulder feels and acts more and more naturally and comfortably.
Why Should I Have My Shoulder Replaced?
Joint replacement surgery of any kind – hip, knee, shoulder, etc. – helps you to regain natural, pain-free motion and strength. The joint may be injured or degraded due to:
- A traumatic injury from a fall, sports mishap, or car accident
- Repetitive motion or constant force applied to the joint
- Advanced arthritis
Reverse Shoulder Replacement Physical Therapy in Naples
If you have severe shoulder arthritis and are considering having shoulder replacement surgery, the Joint Replacement Institute is here for you. Our orthopedic specialists will outline everything from evaluation to procedure to the recovery, including what you can expect during post-op physical therapy.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (239) 261-2663, or complete our online appointment request form now. We look forward to helping you get back to enjoying your active lifestyle again!
