After Total Shoulder Replacement (Anatomic): First Two Weeks

By Dr. Shayne Kelly, DO — Fellowship-Trained Sports Medicine Surgeon · Tri-City Orthopedics, Kennewick, WA

The early exercises Dr. Kelly gives his patients for the first weeks after surgery, until physical therapy takes over.

Educational information, not medical advice. This is not a substitute for the specific instructions Dr. Kelly and your physical therapist give you. Your timeline depends on your surgery, your body, and your progress. Follow your own care team’s directions. In an emergency, call 911.

Precautions — read first

Wear your sling as Dr. Kelly instructed, including at night. Do not actively reach, lift, or push with the operated arm — including pushing yourself up from a chair or bed. Do not let the arm rotate outward past 30 degrees, and do not reach behind your back. When lying on your back, place a small pillow or rolled towel under the elbow so the shoulder doesn't sag backward. Keep the dressing clean and dry; ice regularly for pain and swelling.

Elbow Flexion/Extension (Active + Passive) Repeat 10 times

Support the operated arm in the other hand. Slowly bend and straighten the elbow, allowing the operated arm to relax.

Hand Gripping Repeat 10 times

Squeeze a piece of foam, towel or soft ball in the involved hand. Hold 2-3 seconds. Relax.

Forearm Rotation Repeat 10 times

Turn your palm up and down as far as feels comfortable in each direction.

Wrist Flexion/Extension Repeat 10 times

Bend your wrist up and down as far as feels comfortable to feel a light stretch.

Neck Rotation Repeat 10 times to each side

Turn your head as far as feels comfortable to the right, then to the left.

Neck Tilt Repeat 10 times to each side

Keep your eyes facing forward, and tilt your head to bring your ear down toward your shoulder as far as feels comfortable. Tilt to the other side as far as feels comfortable.

Shoulder Blade Squeeze (in sling) Repeat 10 times

While in your sling, squeeze your shoulder blades back and down. Do not shrug your shoulder. Relax.

Thoracic Extension Repeat 10 times

Sit in a chair with a towel or pillow rolled up across your mid-back. Gently lean back against the towel to feel a stretch in your back. Return.

When to call

Call Dr. Kelly’s office at (509) 460-5588 for fever over 101°F, increasing redness or drainage at incisions, pain that is worsening instead of improving, or new numbness or tingling. For chest pain or trouble breathing, call 911.

Questions about your recovery?

Dr. Kelly sees patients at Tri-City Orthopedics in Kennewick.

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