Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding exercises to help rehab during later phase after shoulder replacement surgery as follows:

  1. These exercises typically are recommended from weeks 7 – 14 after shoulder replacement surgery. Individuals undergoing shoulder replacement must consult their therapist for recommendation before performing these exercises.
  2. Shoulder extension exercises: This exercise can be performed by having the surgical arm out of the sling.  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. Being the stronger arm, your nonsurgical arm will lead this exercise. Lift the cane backward until you experience some stiffness, limitation, or discomfort in the surgical limb. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the surgical limb, hold the cane in this position for a count of 5, and relax by bringing both the arms to the start point. Repeat the task for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.
  3. Arm extension exercises with elbow bent: This exercise is performed after you gain some strength in your surgical arm. Lay down in your bed with your nonsurgical arm flat on your side and your surgical arm bent at elbow at right angle, with fingers pointing straight up to the roof. This is the start point of this exercise. From this position, try lifting the surgical arm up, over and beyond the head until you experience some stiffness, limitation, or discomfort in the surgical limb. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the surgical limb, hold the limb in this position for a count of 5, and relax by bringing both the surgical arm to the start point. Repeat the task for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day. You can also perform this arm extension exercise with elbow bent holding small weight in your surgical arm. This can put more stress on the surgical site and so, seek suggestion from your physical therapist as to when you would be ready to make this progression.