25 Common Questions After Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder replacement recovery requires protection of healing tissues and gradual restoration of movement. Follow the restrictions provided for your exact procedure.
Contents
- How long must I wear a sling?
- Is pain after surgery normal?
- How should I sleep?
- When can I shower?
- How can I get dressed?
- When do exercises begin?
- Should I move my hand and fingers?
- Can I bend and straighten the elbow?
- When can I raise the arm?
- When can I drive?
- When can I return to office work?
- When can I return to physical work?
- When can I lift objects?
- When can I do housework?
- Can I walk for exercise?
- How long do swelling and bruising last?
- Are clicking sounds normal?
- What if the hand becomes numb?
- When are sutures removed?
- How often is physiotherapy needed?
- When can I sleep on the operated side?
- When can I return to sport?
- When does strength return?
- What range of motion can I expect?
- Which symptoms require urgent review?
How long must I wear a sling?
The duration depends on the implant and any repaired tendons. Follow the surgeon’s exact schedule.
Is pain after surgery normal?
Pain is expected early and should gradually improve. Sudden worsening or pain with fever and wound changes requires assessment.
How should I sleep?
A semi-reclined position and pillow support can improve comfort. Avoid lying on the operated shoulder until permitted.
When can I shower?
Shower only after the wound-care instructions allow it. Keep the incision dry until advised otherwise.
How can I get dressed?
Loose front-opening clothes are easier. Dress the operated arm first and undress it last, without forcing movement.
When do exercises begin?
Hand, wrist and elbow exercises often start early. Shoulder exercises depend on the procedure and must follow the prescribed protocol.
Should I move my hand and fingers?
Yes, gentle movement is usually encouraged to reduce stiffness and swelling unless another injury prevents it.
Can I bend and straighten the elbow?
This is often allowed with the arm supported, but restrictions may differ when additional repairs were performed.
When can I raise the arm?
Active lifting is introduced in stages. Starting too early can overload healing tissues.
When can I drive?
Do not drive while using a sling, sedating medication or when steering and emergency maneuvers cannot be performed safely.
When can I return to office work?
Return depends on pain control, transport, sling use and workstation setup. Some desk duties can resume earlier than physical work.
When can I return to physical work?
Lifting and overhead work require later clearance and adequate strength. Job duties should be reviewed individually.
When can I lift objects?
Early lifting restrictions protect healing tissues. Increase weight only according to the rehabilitation plan.
When can I do housework?
Light one-handed tasks may be possible early. Avoid pushing, pulling and reaching with the operated arm until permitted.
Can I walk for exercise?
Walking is generally encouraged when balance is safe. Protect the operated arm and avoid fall-risk environments.
How long do swelling and bruising last?
Bruising and swelling can extend down the arm during the first weeks and should gradually decrease.
Are clicking sounds normal?
Some mechanical sounds may occur. Clicking with pain, instability or loss of function should be assessed.
What if the hand becomes numb?
Persistent or worsening numbness, weakness, marked swelling or a cold hand requires prompt medical advice.
When are sutures removed?
Timing depends on the closure method and wound healing. Attend the scheduled wound review.
How often is physiotherapy needed?
Frequency depends on the operation and recovery stage. Home exercises should match the written protocol.
When can I sleep on the operated side?
Wait until soft tissues have healed and the surgeon confirms that pressure on the shoulder is safe.
When can I return to sport?
Return is gradual. Low-risk activities resume before contact, throwing or overhead sports.
When does strength return?
Strength recovers over months and depends on muscle condition, tendon integrity and adherence to rehabilitation.
What range of motion can I expect?
The goal is useful, comfortable function. Final motion varies with diagnosis, implant type and preoperative stiffness.
Which symptoms require urgent review?
High fever, wound drainage, increasing redness, sudden severe pain, loss of hand function or shortness of breath requires urgent care.
Learn more about treatment options and the rehabilitation program.
Do not accelerate shoulder exercises without approval. The type of implant and repaired soft tissues determine when each movement becomes safe.
