Total Shoulder Replacement

Wound care

Remove your surgical dressing on the second day after surgery unless told otherwise. Keep it clean and dry, waterproof for showering, and do not submerge the arm.

Sling

Wear your sling at all times, including while sleeping, except for hygiene and prescribed exercises, typically for 4-6 weeks (a reverse replacement may need less).

Activity precautions

Do not actively lift the arm, reach overhead, or push up from furniture with it. Avoid reaching behind your back or rotating the arm outward. Do not bear weight through the arm or lift anything heavier than a coffee cup until cleared, usually about 6 weeks. No driving until cleared.

Ice

Use your ice machine or ice packs 20 minutes every 2 hours until your first post-operative visit. Keep a thin towel between the ice and your skin.

Medications

Start pain medicine before the numbing block wears off (about 8-24 hours).

• Pain medicine (Norco or Percocet): 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed, up to a maximum of 12 tablets in 24 hours. Do not take extra Tylenol with it.
• If prescribed Journavx: 2 tablets before leaving for surgery, then 1 every 12 hours; avoid grapefruit.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is arranged and advanced by protocol. Attendance matters, full recovery generally takes 9-12 months.

When to call us

• Fever above 101.5°F
• Pain that will not let up, or painful swelling / numbness
• Increasing redness or continuous drainage / bleeding from the incision
• A change in the color of the operated arm or leg
• Difficulty breathing, or excessive nausea / vomiting

For a true emergency, call 911. For non-urgent questions about your recovery, please contact our office.