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

  1. 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.
  2. Fist pump exercises: Pain and swelling in the shoulder joint in individuals undergoing shoulder replacement could limit the mobility and range of motion in the joint. Consequently, blood tends to pool in the deep veins of the limb and increase risk for clot formation. Fist pump exercises are very important to keep the blood moving up along the veins in upper extremities, prevent pooling of blood in the limb, and thus prevent formation of clots. This exercise also helps with improving the grip strength in the arm affected. You can perform this exercise in either sitting up or laying down in bed. Pump the fist by closing it tightly for a count of 5 and relaxing it. You can also try squeezing a rubber ball tightly for a count of 5 and relaxing it. Repeat the task for 20 times every hour. Observe compliance with practicing the recommended number of fist pumps every day to help keep the blood moving.
  3. Elbow bend exercises: Individuals undergoing shoulder replacement surgery could be recommended supporting the arm in the sling for long periods of time during the initial phase post-surgery. This can lead to stiffening of the elbow and limit the mobility and range of motion in the elbow. Elbow bend can be performed by having the surgical arm out of sling, straightening the arm at the elbow for a count of 5, bending the arm back at the elbow to a 90 degree for a count of 5, and then relaxing again by straightening the limb. Repeat the task for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day. Elbow bend exercises can also help to keep the blood moving up along the veins in upper extremities, prevent pooling of blood in the limb, and thus prevent formation of clots.