What Can You Never Do After Shoulder Replacement?

Wondering what to steer clear of after shoulder replacement surgery? Patients are often advised to avoid certain activities to protect the new joint. In this post, we’ll outline the essential restrictions and lifestyle adjustments you need for a successful recovery.

• Adhere to post-surgery restrictions, including avoiding high-impact sports, heavy lifting, and repetitive overhead movements to protect the new shoulder joint.
• Long-term restrictions include a weight limit for lifting (no more than 25 pounds) and maintaining a moderate range of motion to ensure joint integrity and prevent complications.
• Engaging in physical therapy and modifying daily activities is key to successful recovery, enhancing strength and mobility while preventing unnecessary strain.

The first few weeks after shoulder replacement surgery are important for setting the stage for a successful recovery. During this time, rest and adherence to post-surgical care instructions are essential.

Immediately following surgery, you will likely be taken to the recovery room, where medical staff will monitor your vital signs and manage your pain. Depending on your individual needs, you may be discharged from the hospital that same day or stay overnight.

In the weeks following the surgery, a sling is typically used to immobilize the shoulder, protecting the healing joint and minimizing movement that could compromise the surgical repair. Gentle range-of-motion exercises may begin early, often while the sling is still in use. These exercises promote circulation and reduce stiffness without stressing the recovering tissues.

Pain management strategies typically include a combination of prescribed medications and non-pharmacological methods like ice and heat therapy. The goal of pain management is to maximize comfort and aid healing.

Recovery progresses through various phases, requiring patience and commitment to the rehabilitation plan. The first week tends to be the most challenging, but by closely following your surgeon’s instructions, you can lay a supportive, strong foundation for the rest of your recovery.

Adhering to activity restrictions after joint replacement surgery is essential to prevent complications and ensure a smooth recovery. While it might be tempting to resume normal daily activities or engage in other exercises too soon, it is important to follow the guidelines provided by your healthcare team. These restrictions are designed to protect your new shoulder joint and allow it to heal properly.

Your orthopedic surgeon will help determine which physical activities are safe for you, but they typically advise avoiding the following in the weeks post-surgery:

• High-impact sports
• Lifting heavy objects
• Repetitive overhead movements

Each of these activities can place excessive stress on the newly repaired shoulder and may lead to setbacks in recovery or other complications. 

High-impact sports such as football, rugby, and basketball are not recommended after shoulder replacement due to their risk of damaging the artificial joint. These sports can place excessive force on the shoulder, increasing the chance of dislocation or damage to the prosthetic joint.

To ensure the long-term health and functionality of the replaced shoulder joint, it is important to avoid lifting anything heavy for at least 12 weeks post-surgery. Heavy lifting can strain the new shoulder joint, leading to complications such as pain, dislocation, or damage to the prosthetic joint.

Pay attention to your body’s signals during recovery. If you experience pain or swelling while attempting to lift something, it is a sign that you are overexerting the shoulder.

Repetitive overhead motions should be avoided because they place ongoing strain on the new shoulder joint. These movements can shorten the lifespan of the prosthesis and increase the risk of complications.

Additionally, activities that involve behind-the-back movements or extreme rotation should be limited unless approved by your surgeon. Following these precautions help protect the shoulder and ensure optimal results.

Long-term restrictions help preserve the health and functionality of your new shoulder joint. Depending on the individual, permanent avoidance of some activities that significantly stress the shoulder joint may be recommended.

Following your surgeon’s recommendations and making the appropriate lifestyle adjustments is key to ensuring the long-term success of your shoulder replacement.

An important long-term restriction following shoulder replacement surgery is the limit on the amount of weight you can lift. Heavy lifting can strain the joint, so most patients are advised not to lift more than 25 pounds. However, your surgeon will provide personalized lifting limits to ensure the prosthesis remains secure and functional.

Following these weight limits maintains the integrity of the shoulder joint and reduces the risk of complications. Ultimately, the goal of shoulder replacement surgery is to relieve pain and improve shoulder motion, allowing patients to return to their normal activities without jeopardizing the health of the new joint. 

Limiting certain shoulder movements is another long-term precaution. Repetitive overhead movements and extreme shoulder rotation are usually discouraged to ensure the longevity and functionality of the shoulder joint post-surgery. Avoiding activities that strain the shoulder allows patients to improve their range of motion within safe limits, supporting long-term function.

Patients who have undergone shoulder replacement surgery are often advised to avoid contact sports. High-impact activities, like football or rugby, increase the risk of injury to the new joint. These activities also place significant stress on the shoulder joint, increasing the chance of complications and prosthesis damage.

Small adjustments in daily life can significantly improve shoulder function post-surgery. Creating ergonomic environments at home and work helps reduce awkward arm movements, protecting your shoulder from unnecessary strain. Physical therapy is also essential, playing a key role in managing pain and restoring mobility.

Incorporating these lifestyle adjustments can help you return to normal daily activities and maintain a pain-free, active lifestyle. Below are some specific modifications to support your recovery.

Low-impact activities like walking or cycling are recommended to maintain fitness post-surgery without straining the shoulder. These low-impact options help you stay active without placing undue stress on the shoulder.

Light weights or resistance bands can be used to gradually rebuild shoulder strength. Maintaining fitness after shoulder replacement is important, but it should be done in a way that protects the new joint. 

Adjusting sleep positions, such as lying on your back with a supportive pillow, can help alleviate strain on the shoulder. Making ergonomic adjustments to your home environment lessens the need for awkward movements and prolonged arm use during recovery. Ergonomic tools and setups can also be incorporated at work to accommodate post-surgical limitations.

Modifying your work routines to avoid repetitive overhead motions is important to protect the shoulder as it heals. Depending on your job, changes in work environment or responsibility may be necessary to align with shoulder recovery limitations.

An experienced shoulder orthopedic surgeon can guide you in making these adjustments and ensuring your work environment supports recovery. Addressing these needs early helps minimize the risk of complications and enhances functional outcomes.

Physical therapy is pivotal for regaining strength and mobility following shoulder replacement surgery. Most patients begin structured therapy about one or two weeks after surgery.

Initially, physical therapy focuses on passive range-of-motion exercises to allow tissues to heal. As recovery progresses, patients transition to active range-of-motion exercises and, by around 12 weeks, strengthening exercises. Following a structured rehabilitation plan can help patients safely return to their daily activities with confidence.

Gentle range-of-motion exercises enhance flexibility and prevent stiffness post-surgery. Initial rehabilitation focuses heavily on passive exercises to promote movement without straining the healing shoulder. These exercises gradually improve flexibility by engaging the muscles.

As patients progress, they transition to more active range-of-motion exercises to continue improving shoulder mobility.

Strength training usually begins around three months after surgery to ensure proper healing. These exercises are essential for building muscle and improving overall shoulder function. Under a physical therapist’s guidance, patients gradually incorporate strengthening exercises into their routine, ensuring the shoulder joint is not strained. This gradual approach supports long-term recovery.

Completing the physical therapy program plays a major role in restoring shoulder function. Following physical therapist guidelines prevents complications during recovery and improves overall outcomes.

Recovering from shoulder replacement surgery requires careful attention to activity restrictions and lifestyle adjustments. By adhering to the guidelines provided by your healthcare team, you can protect your new shoulder joint and ensure a successful recovery.

Remember, the journey to recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. With patience, commitment, and the right support, you can return to a pain-free, active life and enjoy the benefits of your shoulder replacement surgery.

Following shoulder replacement surgery, it’s generally recommended to avoid high-impact sports, heavy lifting, and repetitive overhead movements to ensure proper healing and prevent complications. Prioritizing your recovery will facilitate a smoother rehabilitation process.

Patients typically need to wear a sling for about 6-8 weeks after shoulder replacement surgery to ensure proper healing and protection of the joint.

Physical therapy often begins around one to two weeks after shoulder replacement surgery, initially focusing on passive range-of-motion exercises and transitioning to strengthening exercises around the 12-week mark.

After shoulder replacement surgery, patients are often advised to avoid high-impact contact sports, heavy lifting, and repetitive overhead movements to maintain the joint’s longevity and functionality. Your orthopedic surgeon will provide personalized guidance and recommendations.