Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery – in clinic modalities (0 to 6 weeks post-op)
After shoulder replacement surgery, it is very important to let your shoulder heal in the first six weeks. Most protocols call for passive motion only, meaning your shoulder muscles are not supposed to be used to move your arm. To help protect the joint – and to help you remember to not use your arm – expect to be in a sling for several weeks. During this time, your therapist will assign you exercises to do in the clinic that will help maintain motion at the elbow, wrist, and hand, as well as work on passive range of motion (PROM) within your surgeon’s guidelines. The following is what your PT sessions might look like:
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- moist hot pack to warm up musculature and increase circulation
- elbow, wrist active range of motion exercises – no weight
- hand/finger gripping exercises with digiflex, putty, and ball
- manual therapy including shoulder passive range of motion to the following goals:
- at least 90° passive forward flexion and scaption
- at least 45° passive external rotation
- at least 70° passive internal rotation
- electrical stimulation (similar to a TENS unit) with ice pack or vasopneumatic device (ice pack with compression)
- e-stim helps with pain relief
- ice pack and VPN helps with pain relief and inflammation management
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If you are considering Total Shoulder Replacement, come see us for a free consultation to set up your post-surgery physical therapy. To request an appointment, click here, or call directly to one of our three locations during regular business hours:
Cool Springs: 615-224-9810
Shelbyville: 931-684-0027
Spring Hill: 931-489-2022
Disclaimer: The information in this blog is intended to be informational only, and is not intended to be used in lieu of medical care. Consult a doctor or a physical therapist before attempting treatment on your own.
