Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Range of motion?

Posted by Leonard @jakedduck1, Jun 21, 2018

Curious if anyone’s had a shoulder replacement. I’m in need of a couple replacements. After the doctor I wanted decided he wanted a Neurological evaluation because of my Seizures he was reluctant to do my surgeries fearing I’d continue to have seizures and damage the replacements so I decided to wait. I’m interested in knowing if anyone with a replacement had increased or decreased range of motion and substantially reduced pain and how long did the complete recovery period take. I’ve heard the recovery time was one year. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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@gail922

It's my dominant shoulder. I'm not worried about dressing and I can bring in frozen dinners. Bathroom issues are what worry me. How long is it before you were able to drive yourself. I have friends who will stop by but they don't live close enough that I would expect them to drop by every day. I'm sure they would help with shopping. How long is it before I can take care of myself? Use my my arm to brush my teeth, etc.

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I did not entertain the idea of being home alone. I stayed with friends. Pain medication, etc. makes me totally goofy. Loose clothing will make everything simpler. I cut the seam on old shirts to accomodate my surgery shoulder. YouTube gives great videos showing how to bend forward allowing the shoulder to drop forward gently so you can change. Educate yourself on techniques, details on sleeping, etc. Again, loose clothing is a big clue. You will do great!

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@gail922

I've been getting injections in my shoulder for over 3 years. Now they are not lasting and I'm meeting with my doctor next week to discuss shoulder replacement surgery. I'm 76 and live by myself and am concerned how I'm going to take care of myself during recovery which sounds like a long time after reading these notes.

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I encourage you to put time and effort in planning for your recovery time. I am fiercely independent but not for recovery. There are a ton of valuable resources for planning and being realistic. Recovery is long but healing begins immediately so each week of recovery brings new freedoms and relief. Don’t try to do this alone, friend.

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@anncgrl

I encourage you to put time and effort in planning for your recovery time. I am fiercely independent but not for recovery. There are a ton of valuable resources for planning and being realistic. Recovery is long but healing begins immediately so each week of recovery brings new freedoms and relief. Don’t try to do this alone, friend.

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I had my surgery over 10 days ago. I need help.

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@wildebjef

I had my surgery over 10 days ago. I need help.

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@wildebjef You will notice that I removed your email address from your post to protect your privacy and prevent email spamming. We urge members to use the private message (PM) function of Connect to share contact information if they want to connect privately with each other. I think your post was intended for @anncgrl since it was a reply to her post to you.

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@anncgrl

I had a total shoulder replacement of my right shoulder in July 2019. My shoulder was hurting quite a bit though the pain often felt as if it were down my right arm as far, at times, as my elbow. I learned that was normal and related to the nerves being impacted by the damage in my shoulder. My shoulder had significant damage directly related to arthritis. Years ago I broke my right arm just below my shoulder. I did not receive physical therapy at that time. My range of motion was impacted from that injury. Not severely but noticeably. I was convinced a shoulder replacement was going to be a difficult surgery with a painful recovery. My experience was almost startlingly different. The surgery went well. Recovery went well. Physical therapy went well. Range of motion is good with a bit of pain when reaching behind. I believe, for me, the success I had was directly related to me following all the suggestions for resting, taking meds, using shoulder sling all the time required, etc. I used YouTube to show me how to position my arm while sitting and sleeping and changing clothes. The warnings about being slack in these areas got my attention. I also stayed with friends for several weeks so I was safe and free to recover. Of course physical therapy was critical also. Yes, it was painful. Yes, recovery seems to take forever. Was the surgery successful and worth it? A thousand times yes!!

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hi - i had total shoulder replacement in March 2021. And whilst doing physical therapy my shoulder hikes up a bit (sometimes more than a bit) and my scapula is doing some weird things as well - did you experience any issues like this in your rehab?

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@anncgrl

I had a total shoulder replacement of my right shoulder in July 2019. My shoulder was hurting quite a bit though the pain often felt as if it were down my right arm as far, at times, as my elbow. I learned that was normal and related to the nerves being impacted by the damage in my shoulder. My shoulder had significant damage directly related to arthritis. Years ago I broke my right arm just below my shoulder. I did not receive physical therapy at that time. My range of motion was impacted from that injury. Not severely but noticeably. I was convinced a shoulder replacement was going to be a difficult surgery with a painful recovery. My experience was almost startlingly different. The surgery went well. Recovery went well. Physical therapy went well. Range of motion is good with a bit of pain when reaching behind. I believe, for me, the success I had was directly related to me following all the suggestions for resting, taking meds, using shoulder sling all the time required, etc. I used YouTube to show me how to position my arm while sitting and sleeping and changing clothes. The warnings about being slack in these areas got my attention. I also stayed with friends for several weeks so I was safe and free to recover. Of course physical therapy was critical also. Yes, it was painful. Yes, recovery seems to take forever. Was the surgery successful and worth it? A thousand times yes!!

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What a wonderful post @anncgrl. I am happy for you. You made everything work as it is supposed to. I think your most important statement is the idea that you will handle recuperation better if you follow the suggestions from your medical team. Yeah to the team! Together you have done it.

May you be content and at ease.
Chris

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@moorewilford

hi - i had total shoulder replacement in March 2021. And whilst doing physical therapy my shoulder hikes up a bit (sometimes more than a bit) and my scapula is doing some weird things as well - did you experience any issues like this in your rehab?

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Thanks for your post. I have been told that I will have no arthritic pain and full range of motion perhaps even golf again after reverse shoulder replacement surgery. These posts tell a different story, range of motion is quite limited with no sporting activity possible. Other posts re. Range of motion after total shoulder replacement?

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@gene924

Thanks for your post. I have been told that I will have no arthritic pain and full range of motion perhaps even golf again after reverse shoulder replacement surgery. These posts tell a different story, range of motion is quite limited with no sporting activity possible. Other posts re. Range of motion after total shoulder replacement?

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Good morning @gene924, and a great big welcome to Connect. We are glad you are here and we are here for you. Our mission as mentors is to improve the quality of life for every member. Without a medical background, we cannot diagnose or prescribe medication/treatment. What we can do is share experiences because we have been there.

I do know one member who has returned to tennis adequately. Don't know about golf. If you are a right-handed golfer and it is your left shoulder...it might work. I received my reverse shoulder on my right side, my dominant side. I am very fortunate to have no pain and a good range of motion. I think my right arm is an inch or two longer now than my left arm. That alone can put a stop to your golf game. I no longer have the joy of acing my male challengers. Awwww!

May you be mentally and physically healthy.
Chris

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@artscaping

Good morning @gene924, and a great big welcome to Connect. We are glad you are here and we are here for you. Our mission as mentors is to improve the quality of life for every member. Without a medical background, we cannot diagnose or prescribe medication/treatment. What we can do is share experiences because we have been there.

I do know one member who has returned to tennis adequately. Don't know about golf. If you are a right-handed golfer and it is your left shoulder...it might work. I received my reverse shoulder on my right side, my dominant side. I am very fortunate to have no pain and a good range of motion. I think my right arm is an inch or two longer now than my left arm. That alone can put a stop to your golf game. I no longer have the joy of acing my male challengers. Awwww!

May you be mentally and physically healthy.
Chris

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Hey thanks for the prompt reply. I'm a left handed golfer and it is my left shoulder. Several members posted limited motion in raising arm and movement toward the back. Motions necessary for a left handed golfer. Golf is probably out, but arthritic pain relief seems assured.
Also, advice is not to lift more than five pounds!? I like to cook, some if my pots and pans are more than five pounds. Shoulder replacement will be a major life changing event...can I put up with the pain?...not for thecrest of my life.

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@gene924

Hey thanks for the prompt reply. I'm a left handed golfer and it is my left shoulder. Several members posted limited motion in raising arm and movement toward the back. Motions necessary for a left handed golfer. Golf is probably out, but arthritic pain relief seems assured.
Also, advice is not to lift more than five pounds!? I like to cook, some if my pots and pans are more than five pounds. Shoulder replacement will be a major life changing event...can I put up with the pain?...not for thecrest of my life.

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Back at you already @gene924. Unfortunately, I think golf will be limited to maybe miniature golf?????? I made it easier by taking my golf "stuff" to a sports reseller. Same thing with my bowling ball and shoes.

What did I replace that activity with..........walking with a group of ladies on week-long inn to inn walks around the world. The first one was the Ring of Kerry in Ireland. We usually walked 10 to 14 or15 miles a day. We walked in pastures, along 40 miles of sandy beach.....sand takes extra energy.....through forests and along country roads. We shared walks with sheep, cows, horses, and occasionally another group from somewhere interesting.

Still have time.....try yoga, mindfulness, and meditation.....brain and body exercises.

May you find some joy in every day.
Chris

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