0-2 Weeks

The main aim of this phase is to look after the new shoulder and begin your rehabilitation with some simple movements.

I’ve been given a sling to use after my operation, but what should I be doing?

You are likely to have been discharged from the hospital with a sling to support your shoulder and arm and told to use it for six weeks.

If you are unsure about the fitting or specifics on how to use the sling, please refer to your post-operative booklet or click here.

Do I have to sleep in the sling?

Yes, for the first two weeks, it is recommended that you sleep in the sling. After the first two weeks, if you are more comfortable without it, you can take the sling off to sleep.

You will not delay your recovery if you decide to keep it on at night for the full six weeks.

My shoulder feels really tight and a bit weird, is that normal?

Absolutely. After your operation, which is a significant thing for your shoulder to undergo, it is very normal to feel that it might be strange, sore and even a bit tight.

A shoulder replacement is a big operation and therefore it is normal to experience pain afterwards. The pain from your operation is linked to the scale of the surgery and is likely to be with you for some time. It could last weeks or months, but again, this doesn’t necessarily mean that anything is going wrong as it is normal and to be expected.

It is very normal to find that your shoulder doesn’t move fully after your operation. It is likely that the range of movement at your shoulder will gradually improve following the operation with appropriate exercises. It is important that you know that regaining all of the movement you had in your shoulder before your operation is probably unrealistic. It is hoped that you should be able to achieve enough movement to allow you to perform your day-to-day activities with less difficulty and less pain than before the operation.

A shoulder replacement is a big operation, therefore, it is normal for your shoulder and upper arm to be swollen afterwards. The swelling is part of the healing response and is supposed to be there. Interestingly, the swelling will often hang around for some time, maybe weeks into months and may even make its way down into your elbow or hand. However, just because the swelling is still there, doesn’t mean there’s a problem, it is quite normal and to be expected.

Is there anything I shouldn’t do with my new shoulder?

For the first 6 weeks after your surgery, it is important you try to avoid the following movements if you can help it. The movements we advise you don't attempt are:

Taking your arm up and out at the same time
Taking your hand behind your head
Taking your arm all the way behind you
Taking your hand behind your back
Taking weight through your arm such as pushing yourself up in bed or out of a chair

Movements to avoid

So, am I allowed to use my shoulder?

Yes absolutely, but for the first two weeks you should use your other arm to help your operated shoulder when exercising. You can move the elbow, wrist and hand on your operated side as much and as freely as you like.

Can I start doing any specific exercises?

Yes, you most certainly can!

You should have been given some idea of what exercises you can do to start with by either the hospital physiotherapist or by the post-operative booklet.

You can find a range of alternative exercises below.

Exercise tips:

You should use your non-operated arm to help your operated arm with all of these exercises by taking some/most of the weight and guiding the movement.

Aim to do these exercises little and often through the day and work within a range that is comfortable.

Please note – you should wear your brace whilst doing these exercises for the first six weeks.

Movement Exercises

Need more help? Refer yourself here.