Shoulder Replacement- A Patient's Jouney

What to Expect: A Patient’s Journey Through Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder pain can be debilitating, limiting your ability to perform everyday tasks and enjoy life to the fullest. For many patients suffering from severe arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or trauma, shoulder replacement surgery offers a chance to regain mobility and improve quality of life. But what is the journey really like? In this blog, we walk through the patient experience — from the initial consultation to recovery — to give you a clearer understanding of what to expect.

Before Surgery: Preparing for the Journey

The journey begins long before the operation itself. Most patients start with persistent shoulder pain that hasn’t responded to physiotherapy, medication, or other conservative treatments. At this stage, you’ll have an initial consultation where your surgeon will assess your symptoms, examine imaging scans, and discuss whether shoulder replacement is the right option for you.

Common Questions at This Stage:

• “How long will I be off work?”

• “What are the risks?”

• “When will I be pain-free?”

You’ll also undergo pre-operative assessments to ensure you are fit for surgery. This may include blood tests, a physical examination, and sometimes a scan of your heart and lungs.

Tip for Patients:

Preparation is key. Arrange for support at home after surgery, stock up on essentials, and ensure your home is “recovery-friendly” with easy access to frequently used items.

The Day of Surgery: What Happens in Theatre

On the day of the operation, you’ll be admitted to the hospital and meet the surgical team, including your anaesthetist and nurses. Most shoulder replacement surgeries take 1-2 hours under general anaesthesia or regional block (which numbs the arm).

Types of Shoulder Replacement:

• Total Shoulder Replacement — For arthritis where both sides of the joint are damaged.

• Reverse Shoulder Replacement — Often used when the rotator cuff is severely torn.

• Hemiarthroplasty — Replacing only the humeral head (ball) of the shoulder.

Patients often describe feeling well-supported at this stage, with nurses and doctors guiding them through every step.

Immediately After Surgery: The First 24 Hours

Once the surgery is complete, you’ll wake up in the recovery area with your arm in a sling. Pain relief is carefully managed with a combination of nerve blocks, oral medication, and anti-inflammatories.

What Patients Say:

• “I was surprised by how little pain I felt immediately after surgery.”

• “The nurses checked on me regularly, which was really reassuring.”

You may stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights depending on your recovery. During this time, you’ll start gentle movements with the help of a physiotherapist.

The Recovery Phase: Patience and Progress

Recovery from shoulder replacement surgery is gradual. Most patients wear a sling for 4-6 weeks to protect the joint while it heals. Physiotherapy is a crucial part of the journey, helping to rebuild strength and improve range of motion.

Key Milestones in Recovery:

• Weeks 1-2: Managing pain and swelling, starting gentle mobility exercises.

• Weeks 4-6: Sling removal, improved range of motion, and light activities.

• Months 3-6: Regaining strength and returning to daily tasks.

What Patients Often Share:

• “The first few weeks are tough, but it gets better.”

• “Physiotherapy made a huge difference — it’s important to stick with it.”

• “By three months, I was amazed at how much I could do again.”

Life After Shoulder Replacement: Long-Term Outcomes

For most patients, shoulder replacement surgery is life-changing. Many return to activities they once thought were impossible — from gardening to golfing. The key to long-term success is maintaining shoulder strength and avoiding overloading the joint.

What Patients Appreciate Most:

• Significant pain relief

• Better sleep quality

• Improved independence