Reverse total shoulder surgery involves replacing a damaged shoulder with a prosthesis and altering the structure of the joint. This procedure is usually used as a treatment for arthritis or degenerated rotator cuff muscles, and is a last resort when all other treatment options have been unsuccessful. There are three phases of rehabilitation to help restore the strength and flexibility in the shoulder.
Reverse Shoulder Surgery
During reverse shoulder surgery, the bones that make up your shoulder joint are replaced with a prosthesis. In a healthy shoulder, the top of the upper arm bone is shaped as a ball. This ball fits into a socket formed by your shoulder blade, which is why the shoulder is referred to as a ball and socket joint. After reverse shoulder surgery, the structure of the shoulder is reversed. The implant is designed so that the ball portion is attached to the shoulder blade and the socket is part of the upper arm bone.
Phase 1
The first phase of your rehabilitation will last from one to six weeks after surgery. During this time, your goals will be to promote healing of the soft tissue, maintain the integrity of the replaced shoulder joint and enhance your range of motion. You will need to keep your arm in a sling for most, if not the entirety of Phase 1. Physical therapy exercises include flexion and elevation of your shoulder and arm, and range of motion of your cervical spine, elbow, wrist and hand. Once you can tolerate these exercises without pain, progress to Phase 2.
Phase 2
This phase generally lasts from six to 12 weeks post-op, focusing on continued progression of shoulder range of motion and re-establishing shoulder stability. Many of the same exercises from Phase 1 will continue in this phase, while also incorporating new exercises such as external and internal shoulder rotations. After about nine weeks, or when your physician permits, you can begin to use weights of 1 to 3 lbs. while doing your exercises to help build strength.
Phase 3
The last phase enhances use of your arm, as well as shoulder mechanics, muscular strength and endurance. Your program will continue with gentle resistance exercises for as long as needed. Eventually, you should be able to maintain pain-free motion in your shoulder and resume daily activities.
Member Comments