How long before I can return to my normal activities after shoulder arthroplasty?
The time it takes to return to normal activity varies greatly from patient to patient. Most individuals have less pain at night or at rest in the first 2-4 weeks after surgery. Pain with activity persists longer, but generally decreases as the strength and function of the shoulder muscles improve. Full recovery usually takes 4-6 months. What activities can I safely do after shoulder replacement? The goal of shoulder arthroplasty is to relieve the pain from glenohumeral arthritis. It is unrealistic to expect to return to repetitive, heavy, overhead activities, which would put the replacement components at risk. Shoulder function after arthroplasty is also unlikely to allow the motions required by these activities. According to the American Shoulder and Elbow Society, the acceptable activities after a shoulder arthroplasty are: • bowling, doubles tennis, cross-country skiing, swimming, canoeing, and shuffleboard • for those with previous experience in the activity: golf, ice skating, sho
