Shoulder arthritis occurs when there is loss of cartilage between the ball and socket of the arm bone. Also, the shape of the arm bone changes with bone spurs. The ball can no longer roll fully in the socket. This leads to pain and stiffness.

You should wear a sling when sleeping or in a crowded situation

You do not need a sling during the day if the arm is at the side

You may shower immediately, but do not submerge the dressing.

Do not take off the steri-strips

It takes 3 months for the soft tissues to heal

Wear a sling when you sleep

Phase 1 basically allows the skin to heal, to restore motion and avoid stiffness, and protect the repair of the subscapularis tendon which was repaired and allow the body to grow into the metal of the prosthesis

• control pain and swelling. take ice and pain medication as prescribed as needed. drink water and take over the counter stool softeners like colace.
• allow skin to heal (2 weeks). DO NOT remove steri strips. They can fall off naturally. If they start to curl up, you may cut it with a scissor.
• The wound should be water tight for a shower as there is skin glue and steri-strips protecting the incision. To wash under the affected arm, bend over at the waist and let the arm passively come away from the body. It is safe to wash under the arm in this position. Do not scrub or get excessive water over the surgical site.
• You should wear a sling while sleeping or for comfort or while out. You do not need a sling when awake and walking and sitting in a controlled environment.
• begin pendulum motion of the arm

Protect healing cuff

continue to improve motion

Stretch every day, 3-5 x per day

NO STRENGTHENING until healed (12 weeks)

continue physical therapy

regain full range of motion

begin gentle strengthening and control

may begin working out if in control and can do more than 10 reps.

continue physical therapy

Enjoy your shoulder

If you develop pain, please return as soon as possible

tell a dentist that you have a shoulder replacement

NEVER fall!