How much pain is normal after shoulder replacement surgery?

Shoulder replacement: Pain from the arthritis is often much better right away. Pain from the surgery may be significant initially, but responds well to meds. Happiest patients in my practice.

Significant: Shoulder replacements are associated with post-op pain which is the worst right after surgery but gets better over 2-6 weeks. There are many ways that your pain can be alleviated including medications, nerve blocks, ice, positive imagery, etc. Talk to your surgeon about the details. Full recovery can take 3-6 months.

A lot of pain unless: I normally suggest an interscalene regional block before the surgery even if you are asleep also. You will receive much less anesthetic medication and won't need narcotics after the surgery. The block will last seven hours maybe 12 or more.