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.
- Passive shoulder stretch exercises: This is an exercise for the surgical arm, with most of the work being done by the nonsurgical arm. Individuals undergoing the shoulder replacement can be at risk for development of stiffness at the shoulder. This exercise helps with preventing excessive stiffness and relaxing the surgical shoulder. This exercise can be performed by having the surgical arm out of the sling, holding the bent end of a cane, golf club, or field hockey stick in the surgical hand, and elbow bent at right angle. Hold the straight end of the cane, golf club, or field hockey stick in the nonsurgical hand placed down toward the waist. Holding the stick in this position with both hands is considered the start position for this exercise. Now, relax the surgical arm completely, and push the surgical arm to the side with the help of the stick held in nonsurgical arm. Try pushing it the maximum you possibly can without experiencing any pain or stiffness in the shoulder. Do not overdo on the push, beyond the point of pain or stiffness. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the shoulder, stop pushing it further, hold the arm in this stretched position for a count of 5, and relax by bringing it back to the start position. Repeat the task for 20 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day.
- Passive shoulder stretch exercises: This exercise can be performed by having the surgical arm out of the sling. Lean forward using the surgical 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. From this position, take small steps backwards, which helps stretch the surgical 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 surgical site. Once you experience the stiffness or discomfort in the surgical site, stop stepping back, hold the surgical arm in this stretched position for a count of 5, and relax by taking forward steps & standing up straight. Repeat the task for 10 times on each set of arm exercises, for a total of 3 sets a day. Make sure you are stable in this leaning forward position. Avoid this position, if it makes you feel dizzy. Seek caregiver assistance to perform this task, as needed. Check with your therapist, if this task can be modified to better suit your requirements.
