Tips For Reverse Shoulder Replacement Rehab

Total shoulder replacement surgery helps to reduce pain and restore function and range of motion for people who suffer from painful shoulder arthritis. The surgery has a high success rate, but it doesn’t provide sufficient relief for those who have developed “cuff tear arthropathy,” a degenerative arthritis of the shoulder resulting from a large rotator cuff tear. A conventional shoulder replacement is designed to work only if the rotator cuff tendons are intact, but for individuals with cuff tear arthropathy, those muscles no longer function properly. A reverse shoulder replacement is a better option for those with cuff tear arthropathy because it relies on the deltoid muscle instead of the rotator cuff to power the arm. Like any joint replacement surgery, rehabilitation is a key to the success of the reverse shoulder replacement. 

Rehabilitation for reverse shoulder replacement

Rehabilitation for reverse shoulder replacement should begin immediately after surgery.  Ice or heat therapy can help manage pain swelling, and manual joint range-of-motion techniques done by the physical therapist can help stimulate circulation and promote healing.  A sling must be worn to minimize the movement of your healing arm while providing support.

The goal of rehabilitation during the first 6 weeks following shoulder replacement surgery is to protect the surgical wound, minimize pain, reduce swelling, maintain active range of motion in the elbow hand and wrist, and gradually increase passive range of motion in the shoulder. 

Exercises during the early postoperative period may include:

• Elbow bends

• Hand squeezes

• Pendulums - Hold onto a chair, table or bed. Bend forward and let your arm hang loosely toward the ground. Shift your hips gently side to side so the arm swings like an elephant’s trunk. 

The next phase of rehabilitation, weeks 6-12, typically involves continued management of pain and swelling as well as stretching and strengthening exercises to gently increase range of motion and restore strength to the muscles around the shoulder joint.

Exercises during this phase may include: 

• Shoulder flexion - Lie on your back. Hold a stick in both hands. Raise your arms up and overhead. In the earlier weeks, your physical therapist may instruct you to use your healthy arm to raise your operated arm up and overhead. 

• Scap retraction - With your spine in a neutral position, squeeze your shoulder blades together without allowing your shoulders to shrug upward.

• Back towel stretch - Grasp a towel in both hands. Put the operated hand behind your back and use the healthy arm to gently pull the operated arm upward. 

Around the 3-month mark, your treatment plan should include strengthening exercises to help  you progress to your specific goals, whether that means gardening, swimming, golfing, or holding your grandchildren.

Tips for reverse shoulder replacement rehabilitation recovery

Achieving complete recovery after a shoulder replacement surgery can take 6 months to a year, but by following these tips, you can help speed the process along and get back to doing the things you love—pain free!

• Take time to rest and recover

• Sleep carefully

• Wear your sling as instructed by your surgeon and physical therapist

• Start rehab as soon as possible

• Follow your rehabilitation plan carefully

• Stay consistent with your exercises 

A successful recovery also depends on the quality of your rehabilitation team and the consistency of your communication with them. The more you put into your reverse shoulder replacement rehabilitation, the more you’ll get out of it. 

Joint replacement rehabilitation in San Diego

If you or someone you love has undergone shoulder replacement surgery, or if you’re planning ahead for a future joint replacement surgery, Bella Vista Health Center is here to provide a safe transition from hospital to home. Our total joint replacement therapy rehab program provides customized treatment plans designed to empower each patient and rehabilitate them back to their personal best. For more information on our rehabilitation programs, or to schedule a tour of our 5-Star Skilled Nursing Facility in Lemon Grove, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today. 

The Difference Between Arthroplasty & Joint Replacement

When chronic knee pain, hip pain, or other joint pain interferes with a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, and non-surgical methods no longer work to relieve the pain, surgery may be the best option.  Not everyone wants to hear that they need surgery, but it may help to know that joint replacement is one of the most advanced and successful surgeries in modern medicine. Whether you’re in need of a hip replacement, knee replacement, or other joint replacement, the procedure can provide life-changing pain relief, restore your joint function, and significantly improve your quality of life. If you’ve heard the same thing about arthroplasty and you’re curious about how the two procedures compare, you may be surprised by what you learn.  

What is the difference between arthroplasty and joint replacement?

Short answer: Nothing at all.  The terms “arthroplasty” and “joint replacement” are two ways of referring to the same procedure in which part or all of a damaged joint is removed and replaced with artificial components.  Hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty are the most common, but the procedure can be done on most joints in the body, including elbows, wrists, and ankles.  Arthroplasty is used to treat joint damage from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, disease, and traumatic injury. Joint replacement surgery is typically recommended only after physical therapy and other non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief and restore mobility. Recovering from arthroplasty is a lengthy process, but a commitment to a post-op rehabilitation program can help ensure a full recovery in the shortest time possible. 

What is joint replacement rehab?

Whether you call it arthroplasty or joint replacement, the particulars of your postoperative rehab will, of course, depend on the type of joint replacement you’ve had.  In general, rehab after arthroplasty involves physical therapy and sometimes occupational therapy as well. The goals of arthroplasty rehabilitation include:

• Pain management

• Safety and injury prevention

• Scar-tissue management

• Optimization of:

  • Range of motion

  • Muscle strength

  • Flexibility

  • Joint function

A strong arthroplasty rehab program involves a treatment plan created by a team of medical providers committed to helping you achieve a successful recovery and regain your independence as quickly as possible. Rehab programs can be inpatient or outpatient. Patients who have been discharged from the hospital following a joint replacement but who are not ready to return home to independent living can recuperate in a short- or long-term rehab facility. 

What to look for in a rehab facility

Bella Vista Health Center and other 5-Star skilled nursing facilities provide patients with a comfortable, nurturing environment as well as the care and therapies they need to recover. If you or a loved one is planning to undergo joint replacement surgery and think you could benefit from additional care after hospital discharge, here are some things to look for in a rehab facility:

• Therapists who specialize in joint replacement rehab

• Treatment plans developed by a team of medical professionals 

• A high staff-to-patient ratio

• Frequent one-on-one therapy sessions

• Nutritious, culturally diverse meals

• Coordination with family members when necessary

• Supplemental services and amenities

When you’re recovering from arthroplasty, Bella Vista’s total joint rehab program will provide you with everything you need in our 5-Star skilled nursing facility so you can focus on healing, optimizing joint function, and getting back to doing the things you love.

Seek joint replacement rehab in San Diego at Bella Vista Health Center

At Bella Vista, we offer short- and long-term physical therapy programs as well as essential services, social opportunities, and round-the-clock care. If you or someone you love is in need of rehabilitation after arthroplasty, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 to schedule a tour today