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← Return to Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Range of motion?
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Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Range of motion?
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Feb 25 10:55am | Replies (82)Comment receiving replies
@gene924 I have not yet scheduled my TSR, though will see my surgeon in about 3 weeks for a decision. I tend to be optimistic about recovery and eventual range of motion, since both my knee replacements went well. I know the shoulder joint is different, and for some a reverse procedure more limiting. But I do believe that strong motivation to get back your mobility and above all getting a good physical therapist and not skimping on faithfully doing all the additional home exercises required even beyond the weeks of PT, gives you the best chances of returning to a near normal. I think reading about other people's problems here before surgery is important in getting a well rounded view of all possibilities. However, I suspect that postings are skewed towards the problems, because most of the people with successful surgeries go on with their lives and never post the good results anywhere.
In doing a brief search, I found this 2019 British journal article you may want to read in full, entitled "ACTIVITY LIMITATIONS AFTER SHOULDER ARTHROPLASTY: BE ALL YOU CAN BE" https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/abs/10.1302/1358-992X.2019.8.022 that states that "As expected, the return to these sports is less for reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients vs. anatomic shoulder arthroplasty patients. In a systematic review, more than 90% of anatomic shoulder replacement patients returned to sport, while 75% of reverse shoulder arthroplasty patients returned to some sporting activity."
I realize not everyone gets good results, but I have to remain optimistic!
Replies to "@gene924 I have not yet scheduled my TSR, though will see my surgeon in about 3..."
I had total reverse shoulder replacement after an unsuccessful lower trapezius tendon transfer last fall. I was hoping to get back on the tennis court. Today I'm pretty much pain free, have played some tennis, have done PT faithfully, and lift 45 pound suitcases around airports and hotels. I will get back to tennis, having a right hand a couple of inches longer will make it easier to cover the alley 🙂 . My surgeon's approach was if you can do it before the surgery you hopefully will be able to do it after the surgery. The downside was lack of strength in my right arm after almost a year of non use. As a result, I'm working with a trainer, twice a week, on balance and strength training. It is really helping. I have almost full range of motion....except in the small of my back....but even that is better. If you have the surgery, the only advice I'd give is make SURE you get a nerve block catheter for the pain. It made my recovery much easier and I only took one or two heavy pain killers in my whole recovery. I'm 68, walk daily, and lead an active life..... you can too :-).....
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I have not had a shoulder replacement, but my body has a patchwork of scars from other orthopedic surgeries. Being "of a certain age" MANY friends and family members also sport these battle scars.
In my experience, the primary differences in recovery, barring any unforeseen surgical complication, are POSITIVE ATTITUDE and willingness to really do the PT as much and as long as is necessary to achieve your desired result.
From reading your posts, you have this covered! You should do great (PS That said, I wasn't abled to play hard court volleyball after hip replacement due to the jumping. But I do everything else!)
Good luck.
Sue