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Recovering from a shoulder replacement surgery can sound daunting; that’s why we’re here to help! At PhysioNow, we offer shoulder replacement surgery rehab whether you are about to undergo or have already undergone a total or reverse shoulder arthroplasty.
Our expert Physiotherapists will be with you every step of the way, from understanding post-op instructions, restoring your range of motion, getting back your daily function and more. We will tailor each plan to you as an individual, including your goals, your needs, and the phase of rehab you are in. Following evidence-based shoulder replacement surgery rehab guidelines alongside a knowledgeable Physiotherapist is essential for optimizing your recovery.
This is not a decision to be made lightly, or alone. You will have lots of support from a health care team including a Physiotherapist, Shoulder Specialist, Orthopedic Surgeon and more. The decision to operate is driven mostly by your symptoms and quality of life. If you have already tried conservative rehab with Physiotherapy but are still experiencing severe impairments in daily life, range of motion, strength, and debilitating pain, these may be indications for surgery. Your team will discuss your options with you and help you understand the likely outcomes, risks, and which type of replacement is right for you. Even if you are not considering surgery yet, we are still here to offer support! Consult with a Physiotherapist to help ease your worries.
Each individual will move at a different speed throughout the rehabilitation process depending on factors like their age, previous fitness level, and lifestyle habits. Generally, the process takes place over a year, although a fairly normal life can be achieved in 1-2 months. As a general guideline, here’s what to expect after a shoulder surgery. Usually, the rehab can be broken down into different phases.
After coming out of surgery, the focus is on protection and pain control. During this time, you will be given instructions by your surgeon on any restrictions in movement. These restrictions may include things like no lifting and only being able to lift your arm to a certain height. Most of the time, you will be in a sling for protection. Ice, rest, pain medications and very gentle movements are key during this time.
Now, physical therapy will play a more important role as the focus shifts to reclaiming mobility in the shoulder. Assisted mobility exercises and light daily activities of living are done at this stage, including things like dressing and eating.
Within this time period, the sling is usually discontinued, and range of motion continuously increases. A strengthening program will be introduced under the supervision of your Physiotherapist to ensure safety and appropriate progression. Daily life milestones include driving, cooking, returning to work for desk duties, gentle housekeeping and cardio like walking or cycling.
In this stage, most daily life activities feel fairly normal. However, more strenuous recreation will still feel limited. As a result, a structured resistance training program is implemented, and more activities are introduced such as swimming, golfing, and tennis. If your job requirements are more demanding, you may return to work here.
Your strength should start to return in full, and you should feel almost completely normal here. Heavy lifting and return to higher impact sports require surgeon clearance and may be slowly resumed if given the green light. Your surgeon may still schedule some infrequent follow-ups to ensure that healing is as expected.
Undergoing joint replacement is only the first step towards recovery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, a structured, progressive physical therapy program is essential for safely restoring range of motion, rebuilding joint strength, and protecting your new implant.
Your Physiotherapy appointment guarantees you 1-on-1 treatment time with an expert Physiotherapist. Here’s what you can expect:
Physiotherapy is recommended as the first line of defence prior to shoulder surgery, and also an essential part of shoulder surgery rehab. Whichever stage you are at, Physiotherapy can help you!
PhysioNow offers 10 locations across the west GTA, including Burlington, Oakville, Mississauga and Etobicoke. If you would like more information, feel free to contact us by phone at 289-724-0448 or book a consultation with us!
BackPhysioNow now has 10 different locations across the GTA.
We are located in Applewood, Erin Mills, Lorne Park, Hurontario-Eglinton, Maple Grove, Etobicoke South, Burlington, Creditview-Bristol, Clarkson Village and Oakville North.
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