This can ensure you regain maximal functional use of your shoulder and arm.
So what are good PT exercises that may be done after total shoulder replacement?
Indications
Total shoulder replacement surgery is done to treat severe shoulder arthritis.
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This shows up when the cartilage of the ball and socket joint wears away.
This leads to pain, limited motion, and difficulty performing basic functional tasks with your shoulder and arm.
Then, the “ball” will be replaced by a metal part.
A small plastic piece is used to replace the socket, allowing for smooth articulation between them.
After total shoulder replacement, you will likelykeep your arm in a slingfor a few weeks.
Once some healing has taken place, your healthcare provider may prescribe physical therapy.
Thereverse total shoulder replacementis a bit different.
The total shoulder replacement is usually done on patients with intact rotator cuff muscles.
The reverse total shoulder replacement surgery is chosen when the rotator cuff is damaged and not functional.
Hence, the exercises and rehabilitation after each key in of surgery may differ.
This means that rotator cuff strengthening exercises may be done only with the total shoulder.
Rotator cuff strengthening exercises are avoided with a reverse total shoulder replacement.
Physical therapy exercises for total shoulder replacement progress from a gentle range of motion to more active strengthening.
Finally, functional training exercises are performed.
If any exercise causes lasting pain in your shoulder or arm, stop it and see your healthcare provider.
Pendulums
The first exercise often recommended after a total shoulder replacement is agentle pendulum exercise.
This is done to start to allow your shoulder to hang freely from your body.
you might perform pendulums three times each day for about 10 repetitions.
Your PT can show you do this with a cane or broomstick.
You may only be able to get your arm up a little bit.
You should be able to get overhead within a few weeks.
It is important not to force your shoulder in any direction.
To combat this, your PT may prescribe hand grip exercises.
The simplest way to do hand grip exercises is with a towel.
Simply roll up a hand towel, and squeeze it in your hand.
Hold for a few seconds, and then relax.
Repeat this for 10 to 15 repetitions.
Your physical therapist may also prescribehand grip exercises with putty.
Gently squeeze the putty in your hand and hold for a few seconds.
you’ve got the option to also pinch the putty with your fingers and thumb.
Your physical therapist may prescriberotator cuff strengthening exercisesas part of your total shoulder replacement exercise program.
To perform these exercises, obtain a resistance band from your physical therapist.
Attach it to a secure item like a doorknob.
Use the band to provide resistance as you move your shoulder into internal rotation and external rotation.
For internal rotation, move your arm in towards your belly button while keeping your elbow tucked.
Strengthening the deltoid is essential for proper function of your reverse total shoulder replacement.
you might also perform deltoid strengthening if you have had a standard total shoulder replacement.
(A soup can is a good alternative to a dumbbell as well.)
To strengthen this muscle, simply stand with your arm at your side.
Bend your elbow up as if you were trying to touch your shoulder.
Slowly lower down, and repeat 10 to 15 times.
Your triceps muscle travels down the back of your arm from your shoulder to your elbow.
To strengthen this muscle, lie on your back with your arm straight up in the air.
Allow your elbow to bend slowly.
Then, strengthen your arm up against the force of gravity.
Repeat 10 to 15 times.
What things are difficult for you to do?
What occupation or recreational activity do you wish to return to?
These movements may include working on repetitive lifting, reaching, or gentle weight-bearing onto your arm.
One of the goals of physical therapy is to help you regain normal motion and strength.
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