Shoulder Arthroplasty – Post Surgery Instructions

Things to take note

• Wear a shoulder sling for the first 4 to 6 weeks (according to Doctor’s order)  
• Take your prescribed pain medications
• No carrying of load with operated arm
• Place a rolled towel under your shoulder as support in lying
• No active movement of affected shoulder for the first 4 to 6 weeks 
  
• Perform the following exercises 3 times a day, stop if any exercise increases pain and inform your therapist during the next visit.  
  

R.I.C.E. to reduce pain and swelling

• Rest – avoid activities that cause more pain or discomfort. 
• • Appropriate resting helps to protect injured tissue from further injury and prevents delay in healing.
• Ice – apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes, 3 to 5 times a day.
• Compress – compression of affected limb. E.g. Bandage, elastic wrap.
• Elevate – your upper limb at or above the level of your heart with a pillow when lying down to encourage circulation back to the body.
  

Purpose of exercises

1. Maintain range and strength of your upper limbs as allowed.
2. Optimize blood circulation, facilitating wound healing.

Outpatient Physiotherapy will be arranged when the patient is ready to start rehabilitation to regain shoulder movement and strength.

You may be advised to do some of the following exercises by your therapist. 

Please check with your therapist if you are unsure of how to carry them out. 

Exercises (Neck and Upper limb)

​ Neck Ranging To maintain neck mobility; Prevent neck ache from use of sling   Relax shoulders Nod head forward & backward, tilt head to the left & right, turn head to the left & right  Repeat each exercise 10 times	​
​ Scapular Retraction To optimize shoulder blades alignment    Relax shoulders  Squeeze shoulder blades together.  Repeat 10 times, hold 10 seconds.	​
​ Elbow Flexion To maintain elbow mobility    Relax shoulder.  Bend & straighten your elbow Repeat 10 times, hold 10 seconds.	​
​ Hand Pumps To maintain optimal blood circulation    Clench your fist & open up your fingers repeatedly Repeat 10-20 times hourly	​
​ Pendulum To maintain shoulder joint mobility    Bend body forward Allow your arm to dangle Relax arm  Move your body & legs to generate body momentum to swing the arm for 10-20 times