Recovery from reverse shoulder replacement
What are others experiencing after a revere shoulder replacement?
I am 3 weeks post op today from the surgery. I had one Physical Therapy session with only passive range of motion activities. I was cleared for driving as soon as I was not taking pain medicine. I quit hydrocodone 5 days after surgery. My sling was never an immobilizer like I had after rotator cuff surgery. It is just a cloth holder to keep my arm close to my body and take the weight off my shoulder.
I am doing pendulum and swaying exercises 5+ times a day and bending my elbow. I start more active range of motion exercises next week.
I wanted to write this to give people encouragement if you are going to have this surgery. I needed a little help the first few days. I cannot lift anything that requires two arms, so heavy pans, etc. I have been showering, dressing myself, washing my hair, cooking, driving since 5 days post op. I am 74 years old.
One thing that might have helped my recovery. I went to physical therapy for 6 weeks before surgery to strengthen both shoulders.
Here’s hoping that all of us have successful outcomes and restore our function.
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How long has it been since your RSR surgery? Did you reinjure or can you identify any particular cause for the biceps and neck (trapezius?) pain? "Too much too soon"? Not me I am sure of it; only the exercises I was told to do, three times a day.
June 25 2025
Actually nothing except p/t and nothing overboard
We have a similar story then. How long has it been? Is your biceps tendon flicking over the prosthetic and what are you doing about your rehab now?
Since I came home I have felt the area hard as heck
Mentioned to Dr and basically not much of a response
I think, mind you I am not sure but stretching seems to help while doing it
Last week I automatically went to put my hands on my hips and side with the surgery wouldn’t even move in that direction
I literally had to take my left arm and my right arm on my hip just to see if it would go
Not sure about you, but I can’t put my arm behind my back still. Sometimes my elbow and wrist hurt and Lifting heavier hurts
How far out from surgery are you
My RSR was 17 weeks ago. When was your surgery? I stopped physio because it was damaging my biceps about 3 weeks ago now and I can honestly say I am beginning to feel healing in the muscle. As of today, I have been able to reach straight back about 4" from hip but still not around behind my back and still can't tuck my shirt in or help the other arm pull track pants up.