Common Questions About Recovering From Total Shoulder Replacement
How long do I have to keep the sling on after total shoulder replacement?
Your postoperative instructions spell out how long to use the sling, and your surgeon generally sets this based on the procedure done and how your recovery is going. Stick with the sling and immobilization guidance you received at surgery instead of adjusting it yourself.
When will physical therapy begin after shoulder replacement?
Physical therapy is part of the recovery timeline laid out in these instructions. Dr. Payne sets the timing and progression of therapy for your particular case; if you are unsure when therapy should start, get in touch with the office.
Which precautions do I need to take while recovering?
The precautions section of these instructions explains activity limits and movements to avoid. Read it closely, and raise any questions at your follow-up visit or call the office before going back to activities you are unsure about.
When do I need to call the office after my surgery?
The “when to call” guidance in these instructions lists the situations that mean you should contact the office. If something about your recovery worries you and this page does not cover it, call Tidewater Ortho at 757-827-2480.
Where do I find instructions for other shoulder procedures?
You can find postoperative instructions for rotator cuff repair, labral/SLAP repair, Bankart/stabilization repair, fracture or open surgery, and acromioplasty with distal clavicle excision in the Postop Instructions menu on this site.
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📍 901 Enterprise Pkwy, Suite 900 Hampton, Virginia 23666; 4037 Ironbound Road Williamsburg, VA 23188
📞 757-827-2480; (757) 206-1004
Recovering from total shoulder replacement goes best when you follow the sling, therapy, and activity guidance exactly as given and check in with the office whenever something seems off. Keep these instructions handy between visits, and review them before your follow-up so you can ask about anything that is unclear.