Thousands of Americans undergo total shoulder joint replacement surgery annually, which is an option given to patients who suffer from shoulder dysfunction. This is usually due to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. Other treatments are considered first before opting for total shoulder replacement surgery, however when these options cannot provide sustained relief, this is the best option to relieve you from shoulder pain.

After your total shoulder replacement operation, it is vital to perform certain exercises to help strengthen your shoulder and arm and encourage recovery. Orthopedic surgeons usually advise to follow these exercises as they aide in a fast recovery and ease the post-surgery discomfort within a short period of time allowing for easy movement of shoulder.

The following exercises may be recommended by your physiotherapist and should be performed as instructed for easy movement of the shoulder.

Elbow Range of Motion
Before starting this exercise, remove your sling. With your arm bent at a 90-degree angle, bend and straighten your arm as though brushing something off the front of you. This exercise should be repeated 30 times, three times a day. This exercise will help avoid stiffness in your elbow after being in a sling for long periods of time. This also reduces post surgery shoulder pain.

Grip Strengthening
Begin this exercise by making a tight fist or by gripping a rubber ball. Hold this position for 10 seconds and then release. Repeat this exercise 30 times, three times a day. This exercise works your hand and helps prevent blood clots.

Scapula Retraction
Begin this exercise by standing straight. Pinch your shoulder blades together and hold them for 10 seconds. Then relax and repeat the exercise again. Repeat this motion 30 times, three times a day. This exercise helps strengthen muscles around your shoulder blade and allows your shoulder to move more effectively with much ease.

Supported Arm Pendulum
Start this exercise by bending over at your waist. Support yourself by placing your hand, on the side that did not undergo surgery, on a table or chair. With the help of your other arm, make small clockwise and counterclockwise circles. Repeat this exercise 30 times, three times a day.

External Rotation
Begin this exercise by bending the arm, on the side of the recovering shoulder, at a 90-degree angle. Keeping your elbow against your body, use your other hand to gently rotate your forearm outward until your arm is pointing in front of you. Repeat this exercise 30 times, 3 times a day.

This is just for educational purposes and this information should not be taken as your doctor’s advice. The exercises vary from patient to patient and can be best provided by an orthopedic surgeon.