Shoulder replacement surgery swaps damaged joint parts for artificial ones, which can restore mobility. Surgeons perform it when arthritis or injury wears down the shoulder, and recovery starts right after you leave the operating room. Your daily habits shape how the joint heals during those first weeks. Here are some of the main steps that follow your procedure:
Wearing Sling
Your surgeon fits you with a sling before you go home from shoulder replacement surgery. Since the joint needs support, you wear the sling during most daily activities, and you remove it only for approved exercises. The device holds your arm close to your body.
You wear the sling for several weeks. Keep the strap snug, and check that the padding sits flat against your skin. When you follow the exact schedule your surgeon sets, the arm stays protected during early healing.
Limiting Movements
Certain motions strain the new joint. You avoid reaching behind your back, and you skip lifting anything heavy. To help, your therapist shows you which movements to skip. Watch for actions that twist or overextend the shoulder. Some typical ones to avoid include:
- Reaching overhead
- Pushing yourself up from a chair
- Lifting grocery bags
- Rotating the arm outward
Since these movements load the joint, they slow your progress if you repeat them. You follow the restriction list until your surgeon clears you. Gentle, approved motion keeps the shoulder mobile, and it helps you avoid strain.
While you may want to test your limits, sticking to the guidelines supports faster recovery and reduced complications. For now, focus on smaller tasks you can comfortably manage. Avoid unnecessary strain, and aim to build strength over time.
Taking Pain Medication
Your surgeon prescribes medication to manage discomfort. You take each dose on schedule, and you track the times to avoid missing one. For many people, steady dosing keeps pain at a manageable level.
Read the label before every dose. When you pair medication with ice and rest, you control swelling more easily. Some medications cause drowsiness, and you avoid driving while you take them.
Contact your surgical team if the pain grows worse, and watch for side effects like nausea or rash. As reactions vary, you report anything unusual right away. Never combine prescriptions without asking your provider first.
Sleeping in a Reclined Chair
Lying flat presses on the healing joint. Many patients sleep in a reclined chair for the first few weeks, and this position keeps the shoulder supported through the night. A recliner also makes standing up easier. Set up your sleeping space before you need it. A few items help you rest more comfortably:
- A firm recliner or wedge pillow
- A small cushion under the elbow
- A blanket within easy reach
Since getting comfortable takes practice, arrange these supports in advance. You adjust the angle until your arm feels stable. When the shoulder stays elevated, you reduce pressure on the surgical site.
Schedule a Shoulder Replacement Follow-up
Follow-up visits track how the joint heals, so your surgeon checks your range of motion, and staff reviews your X-rays to confirm the implant sits correctly. Bring a list of questions to each visit, and note any stiffness, swelling, or discomfort you feel between appointments. Since your care team adjusts your plan based on progress, honest updates help them respond. Book your follow-up appointment today to keep your recovery on track.