Total Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation

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Before Discharge
Day 1:
Vacuum drain removed from wound. Neurovascular status checked.
There will be a dissolving stitch in the wound with paper stitches and a dressing over the top.
You may shower with the dressings on but do not immerse the wound in water for 2 weeks. The paper stitches will peel off easily. No stitches need to be removed
Start gentle exercises to prevent elbow and wrist from becoming stiff


Day 2 (approx):
Xrays to confirm implant position, reduce analgesia requirements
Start exercises for the shoulder: Image1 , Image 2 , Image 3 , Image 4
Download instruction sheet 1. (150k)

Day 4
Increase exercises as per instruction sheet 2 Image1 , Image 2 , Image 3
Download instruction sheet 2. (110k)

Discharge: When comfortable. This is usually 3-6 days.

10 days
Increase exercises as per instruction sheet 3 Image1 , Image 2 , Image 3 , Image 4
Download instruction sheet 3. (150k)

12 Days
Include exercises as per instruction sheet 4 Image1 , Image 2 , Image 3
Download instruction sheet 4. (150k)

2 weeks
Outpatient appointment to check wound
Assesment of progress

6 weeks
Outpatient appointment to review progress

12 weeks
Outpatient appointment to review progress
Aim: Active range of movement 50% pre-op

24 weeks
Outpatient appointment
Aim: Increasing strength and functional level. Active range of motion to 100% of pre-op

Outpatient appointments then at 1 year post op and yearly afterwards with Xrays to confirm prosthesis position.