Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding excercises to help prepare shoulder joint replacement surgery as follows:

  • Pain in the joint can be a deterrent for participation in the exercise schedule. Taking a pain medication 30 minutes before the exercise schedule can help with better pain control and improved compliance with therapy.
  • Placing an ice pack on the shoulder joint for 30 minutes before and after the therapy session can add to control of pain and swelling in the joint.
  • These sets of exercises to stretch and relax the shoulder are to be performed 3 – 4 times every day. Fix scheduled time slots during your day to perform your shoulder exercises. Compliance with these exercises before surgery can help individuals have an easier and faster recovery from the shoulder replacement surgery.
  • Based on the condition of the shoulder and other coexisting factors, limitations could be recommended on performance of some exercises in some individuals. Check with your physician and therapist for any limitations recommended before performing these exercises.
  • Scapular squeezes:
  1. This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder blade and thus contributes to strengthening the shoulder joint.
  2. Stand straight and gently pinch your shoulder blades together back and down. Hold the position for 10 seconds and relax by bringing the scapulae to their respective positions.
  3. Repeat the exercise for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.
  • Passive shoulder stretch exercises:
  1. This exercise helps to stretch the shoulder joint and contributes to pain relief.
  2. Individuals can lean forward using the bad arm against a firm, stable surface, such as, a table or chair or kitchen countertop and rest the arm. Having one leg behind the other can provide wider base and better support to prevent a fall.
  3. From this position, take small steps backwards, which helps stretch the arm at the shoulder. Do not overdo on the stretch. Stretching the arm should only be until you experience some stiffness, limitation, or discomfort in the shoulder.
  4. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the shoulder, stop stepping back, hold the arm in this stretched position for a count of 5, and relax by taking forward steps & standing up straight.
  5. Repeat the task for 10 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.
  6. Make sure you are stable in this leaning forward position. Avoid this position, if it makes you feel dizzy.
  7. Seek caregiver assistance to perform this task, as needed. Check with your therapist, if this task can be modified to better suit your requirements.
  • Shoulder extension exercises:
  1. Stand straight with your hands turned on to your back and palms facing backward. Hold a cane with your hands at shoulder width. This is the start point of this exercise. From this position, lift the cane in your hands further back.
  2. Being the stronger arm, your good arm will lead this exercise.
  3. Lift the cane backward until you experience some stiffness, limitation, or discomfort in the affected shoulder joint.
  4. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the affected shoulder joint, hold the cane in this position for a count of 5, and relax by bringing both the arms to the start point.
  5. Repeat the task for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.