Physiotherapy - Therapy following a Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

This information leaflet is designed to inform you how to rehabilitate your shoulder following a reverse total shoulder replacement. The information included should guide you from the day after your surgery, up until you go to your first physiotherapy appointment.

At your first outpatient physiotherapy appointment you will be individually assessed, and they will progress your rehabilitation as appropriate.

Exercises to perform 0-1 week after your surgery

Following your surgery, you are expected to complete the following exercises regularly every day.

1.    Elbow flexion and extension

Sit or stand with your arm relaxed by your side – try to get your elbow as straight as you can. Then bend you elbow as much as you can. Repeat this movement 10 times.

Scan this QR code for video instruction:

2. Open and close fist 

Open your fist and spread your fingers out as much as you can. Then close your fist tightly. Repeat this movement 10 times.

Scan this QR code for video instruction:

3. Wrist flexion and extension 

Bend your wrist up and down as shown in these pictures.

Scan the QR code below for video instruction on how to perform this exercise.

4. Shoulder Pendulums 

Lean on a countertop or arm of a chair with your non-affected arm in a straight position (as shown in the picture). Allow your affected arm to hang down toward the floor in a relaxed straight position (as shown in the picture). Using momentum, draw small circles with your affected arm. Repeat this movement for 30 seconds.

Scan this QR code for video instruction:

Restrictions

Following a reverse total shoulder replacement, you are advised NOT to externally rotate your shoulder past neutral. The picture below shows the shoulder in the neutral position. The arrow in the picture shows the direction of movement that you are advised NOT to do.

The QR code below leads to a video also of the movement that you are advised NOT to do.

You are also advised NOT to raise your elbow above your shoulder – this is shown in the photos below.

Sling guidance

After your surgery, you will have been fitted with a sling. This sling should be worn at all times for the first 48 hours after your operation. After this period, you are permitted to remove the sling as pain allows. You are advised, however, to wear the sling at night for 3 weeks post operatively. Please scan this QR code for instruction on how to take off and put on your sling.

How to put on your sling 

How to take off your sling 

Axillary (armpit) hygiene

These pictures show how we would advise you to complete axillary hygiene.

Scan the QR code below for video instructions on how to complete axillary hygiene.

Any Alternative Advice

Occasionally the orthopaedic doctors looking after you will give slightly different advice than the above. Any changes to the advice provided will be handwritten by your therapist below:

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