Reasonable expectations for a total shoulder replacement recovery?

Posted by heyjoe415 @heyjoe415, Sep 19 6:37am

I'm curious about what I can reasonably expect from a TSR (not a reverse). I'm male, 70 y/o. I'm in the gym every day, very fit for 70, if I may say so. I recovered very quickly from having both knees replaced in 2022. I work with a trainer 2x week, have a solid core, stretch every day, and primary exercise is cardio on a spin bike.

TKR recovery required a lot of activity. It looks like a shoulder is mainly sitting. Will I have to sleep in a recliner? If there is PT, what does that look like? I can't take opiates, so what is the post-op pain prognosis?

Thanks in advance! Joe

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

Justin McClanahan, Moderator | @JustinMcClanahan | Oct 1 11:27am

Hello @heyjoe415, I'd like to invite @fignolia, @ktgirl, @ls114, @ltsally, @ljgraham166, @beatricefay, and @rnpeggyh0419 who all discussed having, or considering, a shoulder replacement as well to share their experiences with the recovery and what you can expect.

Many additional members have discussed Reverse Shoulder Replacements and the recovery as well:

"Shoulder Replacement Support Group" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shoulder-replacement-support-group/
"Reverse shoulder replacement surgery" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/reverse-shoulder-replacement-surgery-1/
"Shoulder Replacement Surgery" - https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shoulder-replacement-surgery/

@heyjoe415, members have discussed the pros & cons of a regular shoulder replacements vs. a reverse shoulder replacement. If you are comfortable sharing, was there a main reason your surgeon opted for the traditional replacement? Was it because you are so active? You mentioned recovery is mostly sitting vs. the active therapy that a knee replacement demands. From what I understand this is true initially, but there is still rehab once the healing has progressed. Has your surgeon discussed recovery at all and what any potential limitations will be moving forward?

beatricefay | @beatricefay | Oct 2 6:08am

In reply to @JustinMcClanahan "Hello @heyjoe415, I'd like to invite @fignolia, @ktgirl, @ls114, @ltsally, @ljgraham166, @beatricefay, and @rnpeggyh0419 who all..." + (show)

I had the traditional shoulder replacement because other parts of my shoulder were intact. My therapy started weeks after the surgery which put me behind initially but I have caught up. I've had no problems and am very happy with the results. Never any pain or discomfort.

heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Oct 2 1:56pm

Thanks very much Beatrice, very encouraging, and I'm happy for you.

I'll very likely get a TSR. As I did with my knees, I'll wait until the pain is much more than it is now, and when it affects my work in the gym more than I'd like. I mostly spin for cardio, and work with a trainer who is very mindful of the shoulder. The last cortisone shot really helped, and I'll get one every six months, or longer, when needed.