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.
• Passive external rotation:

1. This is an exercise for the affected arm, with most of the work being done by the unaffected arm. This exercise helps with stretching and reducing the stiffness in the affected shoulder.
2. You can relax the affected arm by bending it at 90 degrees near the elbow and resting the elbow on a supportive pillow laying on to your side, with the forearm across your trunk.
3. This is the start point on this exercise. Holding the wrist of the affected arm with the unaffected, gently rotate the affected arm outwards to the extent possible or until you experience some stiffness, limitation, or discomfort in the shoulder joint.
4. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the shoulder, hold the affected arm in this position for a count of 5, and relax by bringing the affected arm back to the start position.
5. Repeat the task for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.

• Triceps stretch:

1. This exercise can be performed by having the affected arm out of the sling and stand upright with your arms on your sides. Then cross over your body with the unaffected arm and hold the affected arm behind the elbow.
2. This is the start point of this exercise. From this position, try bringing the affected arm up and over behind you to the extent possible, by pushing the elbow of the affected arm with the unaffected.
3. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the back of the affected arm, hold the limb in this position for a count of 5, and relax by bringing both the arms to the start point.
4. Repeat the task for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.