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Reverse Shoulder Replacement: Recovery process

Joint Replacements | Last Active: Oct 13, 2023 | Replies (138)

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@artscaping

Good afternoon @hsminc, @cynthiakempton, and others coping with reverse shoulder surgery. One of you has a dull ache in your arm every morning. Another wonders if she has been a bit aggressive about using the shoulder to lift "stuff".

I can share my ups and downs with you. However, I have a question. Do you all have a PT and have participated in post-surgery treatment with a focus on healing and regaining movement? Are you doing the "circles" every day?

When you sleep, how is your shoulder protected? Do you wear your sling 24 hours a day? Are you able to create a stable environment during the night by wearing an oversized t-shirt that keeps your arms tight to your body? That helps a lot.

Once you are free of the sling how will you support your arm? I actually wore vests and held the opening with my surgery side hand. Just enough support to prevent injury.

That is the beginning of my "you can do it" checklist. I have now had four shoulder surgeries and am considering a fifth one as a reverse on my left shoulder. Right now, my MFR therapist is working on it twice a week. The guided injection just hasn't made enough difference.

Regarding range of motion......I have discovered that my first reverse shoulder does a fairly good job of helping me get dressed and pack my overnight bag. However, eating an ice cream cone is a bit of a strange site as my elbow wants to remain higher than my shoulder. Even after 10+ years.....I still have occasional pain after too much activity.

Here's some good news. It is now possible to have the replacement mechanism
fitted to your body the same way that knee replacements are done. I also think you can have robotic surgery which guarantees less invasive and more accurate surgery.

Good luck to you all. And remember, I am here for you.
Let us know how you are doing and ask any questions you encounter. We can all help each other.

May you be safe, protected and free from inner and outer harm.
Chris

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Replies to "Good afternoon @hsminc, @cynthiakempton, and others coping with reverse shoulder surgery. One of you has a..."

Thank you for reaching out to us.
I am doing great so have questioned the need for a PT or an OT. I have had friends that have been injured by over enthusiastic PTs. One had to have her shoulder replacement redone. Another had the same issue with a knee replacement- the PT somehow tore the parts "apart." He had to have another knee replacement.
My OT sent info about choosing a "certified" PT, i.e., ones with special qualifications to address my needs. I don't know if I will do that. As it is, I spend two hours every day walking my shepherds and an hour exercising in our heated swimming pool; I am told not to swim until I am four months out. I haven't even reached the three month mark yet. I also do the prescribed exercises. It all takes up a whole lot of time.
I am not a fan of robotic surgery -not yet. Too many surgeons using it that are not optimally trained nor experienced.
I think my shoulder parts were planned and "fit" together the same way that my knees and hip were planned and fit. I don't think this is an entirely new procedure at many centers.