How will I recover following the operation?

Postoperative treatment plays a key role in the success of a shoulder prosthesis operation. With your active cooperation, you can help to achieve this goal as quickly as possible!

Question: Why are patients mobilised so quickly after the operation?: Nowadays, shoulder prosthesis operations are not followed by several weeks of rest. The importance of early mobilisation cannot be understated: it helps prevent complications such as thrombosis and accelerates the healing process.

The first few days after the operation

As soon as the first day after the operation, you will be mobilised by a physiotherapist. A so-called shoulder CPM device is used, on which the operated shoulder joint is thoroughly moved to an adjusted extent.

With assistance from the physiotherapist you soon learn what movements you can perform and how. Physiotherapy promotes muscle development, coordination and mobility in the shoulder joint.

Rehabilitation

As a rule, your stay in hospital is followed by a rehabilitation period lasting several weeks. This can be either as an outpatient at your home or as an inpatient at a rehabilitation clinic.

Since in the majority of cases shoulder prosthesis operations are elective interventions, you can discuss the type and location of rehabilitation with your doctor either before or at the latest shortly after the operation. Your doctor will explain all the details to you and complete the relevant applications. It may be necessary to make enquiries with your health insurer. The rehabilitation period after shoulder prosthesis surgery is usually several weeks or months. Even after the rehabilitation period is over, you should continue to regularly do the exercises you have learnt at home!

Follow-up examinations

After a shoulder prosthesis operation you should visit your doctor at regular, fixed intervals for follow-up examinations. He will make a clinical assessment of the shoulder joint and arrange for an X-ray to be taken. He will therefore be able to recognise and treat any complications early on which may occur without you noticing. Your prosthesis pass will help you remember your appointments.

Question: Which movements should I avoid as the wearer of a shoulder endoprosthesis?: Since the muscles are not strong enough to adequately protect the joint from incorrect movements until 2 months after the operation, particular care should be taken in the first few weeks to avoid certain movements. Your physiotherapist will be able to explain this in detail and offer specific training.
In the following period as well you should avoid certain movements which may induce prosthesis luxation. In particular, these include
• performing work which causes shoulder exertion (above head height and in front of the body);
• lifting and carrying heavy loads;
• working on ladders or scaffolding;
• sports where high loads are involved and there is a risk of falling.