Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Your Journey from Preparation to Full Recovery
In the month leading up to your reverse shoulder arthroplasty, your surgeon will schedule a pre‑operative clearance visit and instruct you to stop blood‑thinning medications and supplements the week before your surgery. Begin cleansing the shoulder and armpit area with a 10 % benzoyl peroxide wash several days before the procedure—apply the wash, let it sit for three minutes and then rinse off. Arrange transportation for the day of surgery and pick up prescribed medications. Avoid shaving the surgical area and set up a recovery space at home with ice packs and a sling.
On the day before surgery, wash the surgical site again with benzoyl peroxide or Hibiclens to reduce bacteria. The surgical center will contact you to confirm your surgery time and review medication instructions. Do not shave the shoulder or apply lotions to the area. Follow your surgeon’s guidance on medications—begin any prescribed stool softeners and ensure that postoperative pain medications are available. Lay out loose‑fitting or button‑front clothing for the next day and aim for a good night’s sleep.
On the morning of surgery, wash the shoulder and armpit again with the prescribed benzoyl peroxide wash. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight and take only medications approved by your physician【529697597710580†L138-L143】. Bring your sling to the surgical center and wear a loose‑fitting or button‑up shirt for ease of dressing【529697597710580†L144-L151】. Arrive at the scheduled time for pre‑operative check‑in, where the team will review your medical history and place an IV; the procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia with a nerve block for postoperative pain control.
After surgery you will spend time in the recovery room while the anesthesia wears off. Non‑weight bearing on the operative arm and must keep your sling on at all times until the follow‑up appointment. Ice the shoulder for 30‑minute intervals as much as possible for about two weeks and avoid prolonged bed rest—take short walks every hour to promote circulation. Keep the surgical bandage on and do not shower for the first three days; after 3–5 days you may shower with a waterproof dressing but avoid soaking the incision for at least three weeks. Prescription pain medication and a nerve block will manage discomfort; follow dosing instructions and avoid driving while taking narcotics.
Weight‑bearing restrictions are strict after reverse shoulder arthroplasty.Non‑weight bearing and to keep the sling on until the first follow‑up appointment. No lifting or supporting body weight with the hands during the first 2–3 weeks and restricts lifting to only a coffee cup through about 6 weeks. Patients should avoid lifting anything or performing overhead work during the first six weeks; after 12 weeks, light lifting (5–10 kg) and occasional overhead activities may resume.
During the first week after surgery continue wearing your sling even at night; this helps prevent dislocation and protects the repair【70498228291384†L130-L134】. Keep the wound dry until it has healed (typically 10–14 days)【70498228291384†L134-L135】. Begin gentle exercises as directed—these may include bending and straightening the elbow, passive shoulder flexion, hand squeezes, neck stretches and pendulum exercises【70498228291384†L139-L147】. Dr. Robinson’s protocol cautions against externally rotating the arm past neutral and recommends changing positions frequently and sleeping in a reclined chair with the sling【529697597710580†L381-L397】. Continue to ice the shoulder and monitor for signs of infection or excessive swelling.
Your first postoperative appointment is typically around two weeks after surgery to assess the incision and remove steri‑strips. A second appointment around 8–10 weeks evaluates healing and progress. At these visits your surgeon will adjust your rehabilitation plan and advise when to discontinue the sling. Further follow‑ups occur at three and six months to monitor range of motion and function.
Moderate activity usually begins several weeks after surgery. Sling at night and gradually weaning it off during the day between weeks four and six; during this phase patients begin active‑assisted and active range‑of‑motion exercises and are cautioned not to lift objects heavier than a coffee cup. Week 6 to 12 patients may stop wearing the sling during the day and perform light daily tasks but should avoid twisting the arm behind the back or pushing up with the operated arm. After 12 weeks, more vigorous stretches and light lifting (5–10 kg) can be introduced, and recreational sports may resume at four to six months.
Full recovery after reverse shoulder arthroplasty can take many months. Most patients return to full functioning between six and nine months, strength and motion can continue to improve for up to two years. Full range of motion is not expected and that patients should avoid reaching behind the back or lifting heavy objects indefinitely. Adherence to physical therapy and surgical precautions is essential for optimal long‑term outcomes.