If you’ve recently had a shoulder replacement, you’ve already taken a big step toward reducing pain and improving your quality of life. Now comes the next important phase: rehabilitation. Physical therapy plays a key role in helping you heal safely, regain movement, and return to daily activities. Here’s what you can expect during your recovery.
What Is a Shoulder Replacement?
In a shoulder replacement, a surgeon removes the damaged parts of your shoulder joint and replaces them with smooth, artificial components. This is most often done to treat severe arthritis, fractures, or long-term joint damage that causes pain and stiffness.
There are different types of shoulder replacements, and your rehab plan may vary slightly depending on which one you had. No matter the type, physical therapy is essential to getting the best result.
Why Physical Therapy Is So Important
Surgery fixes the joint, but therapy helps restore movement and strength.
After surgery, your shoulder will be sore, swollen, and stiff. Muscles around the joint may feel weak because they haven’t been used normally for some time. Without guided movement and exercise, stiffness can increase and recovery may slow down.
Physical therapy helps you:
- Protect the new joint while it heals
- Regain safe range of motion
- Improve strength over time
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Return to everyday activities
Recovery takes patience, but steady progress is the goal.
Phase 1: Early Healing
Right after surgery, your shoulder needs time to heal. You will likely wear a sling to protect the joint. During this stage, therapy focuses on gentle movements and pain control. Your therapist may:
- Teach you safe ways to move your arm
- Show you how to dress and bathe safely
- Guide you through gentle, assisted range-of-motion exercises
- Help reduce swelling with ice and positioning
The goal is to protect the repair and prevent stiffness. It’s normal to feel tired and sore during this phase. Healing takes energy.
Phase 2: Regaining Motion
As your surgeon clears you for more activity, therapy will focus on improving how far your shoulder can move. You’ll begin:
- Active range-of-motion exercises (moving your arm with your own muscle power)
- Light stretching
- Gentle use of the arm for daily tasks
You may notice small improvements each week. Reaching overhead or behind your back can take time. Progress may feel slow, but consistency matters more than speed.
Phase 3: Building Strength
Once healing is further along, strengthening exercises are added. Strong muscles help support and protect your new joint. Your therapist may introduce:
- Light resistance bands
- Small hand weights
- Shoulder blade strengthening
- Posture training
Stronger shoulder and upper back muscles improve stability and make daily tasks easier.
When Will I Feel “Normal” Again?
Every patient heals at a different pace. Many people notice steady improvement over the first 3 to 6 months. Full recovery can take up to a year. Most patients experience:
- Less pain than before surgery
- Improved ability to sleep
- Better function for daily activities like dressing, grooming, and cooking
Your therapist and surgeon will guide you on when it’s safe to return to hobbies, exercise, or sports.
Tips for a Successful Recovery
- Follow your sling and movement precautions carefully.
- Do your home exercises as instructed.
- Don’t rush the process. Healing takes time.
- Keep follow-up appointments with your surgeon and therapist.
- Communicate if something doesn’t feel right.
The most successful recoveries happen when patients stay involved and consistent.
Shoulder replacement surgery can greatly reduce pain and improve your quality of life—but physical therapy is what helps you get there.
With patience, guided exercise, and steady progress, you can return to the activities that matter most to you. If you have questions about your recovery or would like to schedule a therapy appointment, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
