How is the shoulder rehabilitated after a joint replacement surgery?

Physical therapy: Joint replacement surgery is so specialized and specific to the individual that only a thorough assessment by a physical therapist trained in such rehabilitation qualifies as the proper approach. Your orthopedist should be able to point you in the right direction. This type of therapy takes time and a lot of dedication on the part of the recipient. Good luck.

Gradual therapy: Initially range of motion exercises are simple, such as pendulum movements with the arm dangling. Gradual work in getting the arm elevated using the wall the assist or a pulley system is the next step. Once motion is achieved, the strengthening phase can begin after a few weeks.

PT not always needed: Formal physical therapy is not always needed following shoulder replacement surgery. An article published in the journal of shoulder and elbow surgery illustrated this point: http://www.Jshoulderelbow.Org/article/s1058-2746(09)00302-4/abstract.

Carefully: Usually, the subscapularis, one of the rotator cuff muscles is detached to enter the shoulder joint. This needs to heal for there to be a working shoulder. Usually, people are protected in a sling for 4 weeks. Only simple exercises are used during this time period. Following this therapy continues for 8-12 weeks.