Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery – Home Exercise Program (0 to 6 weeks post-op)
A home exercise program, or HEP, is a list of exercises your therapist will assign for you to do on your own at home. Think of your healing process as an interstate, and you’re driving a car from point A (the day of your initial evaluation) to point B (fully healed). Your physical therapy sessions in the clinic are like your general maintenance on your car; oil changes, tire rotations, tune ups, etc. Your HEP would be the fuel stops you make along the way – you’re not going to get very far on your journey if you don’t stop for gas (and snacks) along the way.
The following is an example of what your therapist may assign for an HEP for the first few weeks following a shoulder replacement:
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- active range of motion exercises at elbow, wrist, and hand – help regain/maintain active ROM in each joint, prevent blood clots, increase circulation to improve healing
- fully extend and flex elbow: 20-30 times, 2-3 times a day
- wrist circles: 20-30 times each direction, 2-3 times a day
- gripping exercises: grip a rubber ball, hold 10 seconds; repeat 20-30 times, 2-3 times a day
- scapular exercises – help regain/maintain strength in musculature around shoulder
- active range of motion exercises at elbow, wrist, and hand – help regain/maintain active ROM in each joint, prevent blood clots, increase circulation to improve healing
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.
