Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding exercises to help rehab during immediate phase after shoulder replacement surgery as follows:
- These exercises are recommended during the early phase of shoulder replacement, typically during weeks 1 – 7. Individuals undergoing shoulder replacement must consult their therapist for recommendation before performing these exercises.
- Chest expansion: Poor posture of the chest with rounded shoulders can add stress on the shoulders resulting in pain. Expansion of chest with shoulders spread wide apart can help relieve the stress on the affected shoulder, aiding in pain relief. Stand upright with your arms on your sides. Slowly take both your hands towards your back and clasp them tight. This is the start point of this exercise. From this position, try moving your clasped hands in a downward and backward direction, until you meet some stiffness or discomfort in the affected shoulder. While moving your clasped hands, simultaneously try puffing your chest up and forward. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the affected shoulder, hold the position for a count of 5, and relax by bringing both the arms and chest to the start point. Repeat the task for 20 times on each set of exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.
- Scapular squeezes: This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder blade and thus contributes to strengthening the shoulder joint. 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. Repeat the exercise for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.
- Supine assisted flexion: This is an exercise for the surgical arm, supported/assisted by the nonsurgical arm. This exercise is performed by laying down in the bed, having the surgical arm out of the sling, bending it at 90 degrees near the elbow, and resting it on a supportive pillow laying on to your side. Supporting the elbow of the surgical arm with the nonsurgical hand, elevate the surgical arm straight up. Elevate the surgical limb until you experience some stiffness, limitation, or discomfort in the surgical site. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the surgical site, hold the surgical arm in this position for a count of 5, and relax by bringing the surgical arm to the start position on to the supportive pillow. Repeat the task for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.
