Shoulder resources

Questions to ask your doctor

If you are unsure about starting a conversation, consider these questions that can help discuss your shoulder pain and understand whether shoulder arthroscopy or replacement or other treatments may be right for you.

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Which pain relief options are suitable for me?
How much improvement can I expect from non-surgical and surgical treatments?
How do you determine if shoulder arthroscopy or replacement is right for me?
Am I eligible for a balloon spacer arthroscopic surgery?
How long has balloon spacer been available?
How is a balloon spacer surgery done?
Am I eligible for a shoulder replacement?
How is shoulder replacement done?
What should I expect after the surgery?
How much pain will I feel after surgery, and how is it managed?
What are the risks or complications of shoulder replacement or other treatment options?
Will I have mobility restrictions? For how long?
How long will I be in the hospital?
How long before I can return to my normal activities?
Will I be able to drive?
Is shoulder arthroscopy or replacement surgery covered by my insurance?
Which company’s joint replacement products would you use for me? Why?
Will you be performing the surgery?
How many shoulder arthroscopy surgeries or replacements have you performed?

Preparing for surgery

Preparing for shoulder replacement begins a few weeks before the actual surgery. The checklist below outlines some common tasks that your surgeon may ask you to complete in the weeks prior to your surgery date.

*Check with your surgeon to discuss your specific pre-surgery instructions and risks.

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In the weeks ahead

Exercise under your doctor’s supervision.
Get a physical.
Get a dental checkup.
Stop smoking.
Lose weight if you’re overweight (as per guidance from the doctor).

Closer to the surgery

Arrange a pre-surgery visit with your doctor.
Get lab tests that the doctor orders.
Talk to your surgeon’s team about if or when to stop your routine medications.

The night before

Fast – nothing to eat or drink.
Bathe the surgical area with the antiseptic solution provided to you (under doctor’s guidance).

Recovery

Everyone patient recovers differently. However, here are some of the things you may expect in the days, weeks, and months following shoulder replacement surgery.

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Immediately following surgery

Your orthopaedic surgeon, nurses, and physical therapists will closely monitor your recovery progress.
The next day, your physical therapist will recommend exercises and stretches that’ll encourage recovery and your occupational therapist will guide you on managing your day-to-day routine during recovery.
Initially, activity will cause discomfort, so your care team may recommend pain medication prior to physical therapy. Gradually, your pain medication will be reduced, the IV will be removed, your diet will progress to solids, and you will become increasingly mobile.

Once you get home

You will be sent home with your arm in a sling.
Follow your surgeon’s guidance on do’s and don’t’s for at home care. Be patient.
Call your doctor to report or discuss any concerns.
Ask your doctor about how to care for the wound.

Life after shoulder replacement

Everyone recovers at a different pace. After two weeks, most people return to light day-to-day activities like grooming, dressing, eating, while wearing a sling. You may be able to drive in two – four weeks post your surgery¹, depending on which shoulder was replaced and how well your recovery is. Low impact activities like walking and hiking may be allowed in a few weeks post surgery. Based on your lifestyle and recovery journey, your doctor can recommend on when you can return to sports or high impact activities like swimming, tennis, aerobics.

References:

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Treatment: Shoulder joint replacement. OrthoInfo. orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/shoulder-joint-replacement.

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