Reverse shoulder replacement on a petite woman

This type of surgery requires a long recovery time and I’ve heard up to or more than a year, which you’ve surpassed. I suggest keep on going to PT as long as you’re able insurance coverage wise and health wise. Your doctor I presume has performed a bunch of these, listen to them.

Thank you for your response! I was hoping that there was another person in this situation. I am going yo pain management snd continuing therapy. I’ve had previous rotator repairs with no issue whatsoever. I’m just feeling frustrated at the moment!! Happy Holidays to you and your family!!

Hi @joannee, I'm a petite woman too and I need a shoulder replacement. I'm caregiver to my husband with Alzheimer's Disease so surgery is just not an option for me at this time.
There's a real loss of muscle in my (dominant) arm that needs the repair compared to the other one. Most of my pain is in the tendon running down my arm to the bicep. Putting my shoulder down and back (like putting my shoulder blades in my back pockets) and holding it for 15 seconds helps to alleviate the pain. I try to remember to do it frequently throughout the day.
The other thing that takes the edge off is a Red and Infrared Light Therapy Wrap. I can wrap the one I have around my arm. There are many options for these available at online marketplaces if you want to check them out.
Wishing you the best!

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Thank you for your suggestion. I am praying for you and your husband. Alzheimer’s must be so hard. Also your shoulder pain! God Bless you both with healing!! 🙏🏻🙏🏻😘

I had a reverse shoulder replacement in September of 2024. I am still in pain and the pain is far worse now than it was before the RSR. I awoke yesterday with my hand, wrist and forearm swollen. I called my shoulder surgeon and he was not concerned. Well, I am!
I have a visit scheduled to see my pain management physician and my shoulder surgeon this Thursday.
Has anyone had unexplained swelling in their hand after reverse shoulder replacement?
Thanks to all on this forum and happy holidays!

So sorry to hear!! I didn’t have hand swelling just the arm in general. I can relate as mine was done then and I still don’t feel I have a normal feeling. I understand the body needs to adjust but it hasn’t felt right since the procedure. Good luck to you and happy holidays!

Hi,
I had right reverse shoulder replacement the same day as you! My recovery has not been typical because of muscle weakness. Pain has not been a problem,but range of motion has been hampered by deltoid weakness. Therapy did not help and a nerve study did not show any damage just a weak deltoid. I am petite also and was not in great shape when surgery was done,muscle wise. I stopped pt after a year but am continuing exercises at home,but not seeing much results. I am sorry you are still in pain and wondering how your range of motion is.

Thank you for responding! I have no one that has been able to relate to my situation and I am fortunate that you are in a similar position! My range of motion is ok. I can raise my arm. Can’t reach behind back or throw things sideways. When I do I get pain. I understand that it will not be the same range as my left arm, but it just feels strange!! I’m supposed to have a softball size deltoid muscle but they say it’s more like a golf ball. Now they think the pain is caused by my neck and I have a MRI on 12/30. I don’t know that this will ever feel right again. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are! I am starting therapy on my neck which they think is the reason for the pain, so I guess I’ll see what happens! Thank you for responding and Happy Holidays to you !!

joannee | @joannee | 5 minutes ago
Thank you for responding! I have no one that has been able to relate to my situation and I am fortunate that you are in a similar position! My range of motion is ok. I can raise my arm. Can’t reach behind back or throw things sideways. When I do I get pain. I understand that it will not be the same range as my left arm, but it just feels strange!! I’m supposed to have a softball size deltoid muscle but they say it’s more like a golf ball. Now they think the pain is caused by my neck and I have a MRI on 12/30. I don’t know that this will ever feel right again. Please keep in touch and let me know how you are! I am starting therapy on my neck which they think is the reason for the pain, so I guess I’ll see what happens! Thank you for responding and Happy Holidays to you !!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻