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.
- Anterior elevation exercises: This is an exercise for the surgical arm, with most of the work being done by the nonsurgical arm. This exercise can be performed by having the surgical arm out of the sling and relaxing the surgical arm completely. You can relax the surgical arm by bending it at 90 degrees near the elbow and resting it on a supportive pillow laying on to your side. Holding the wrist of the surgical arm with the nonsurgical hand, elevate the surgical arm straight up by pulling the surgical arm over the head with the help of nonsurgical arm. Pull 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.
- Pendulum exercises: This exercise can be performed by having the surgical arm out of the sling. Lean forward using nonsurgical arm against a support, such as, bathroom countertop or a worktable, with the support on the side of your nonsurgical arm. Having one leg behind the other can provide wider base and better support to prevent a fall. Dangle your surgical arm in this leaning forward position and let the arm swing in a clockwise circular motion for a count of 10. Then, let the arm swing in anti-clockwise circular motion for a count of 10. Then, let the arm swing across your body in a pendulum fashion for a count of 10 and relax by 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.
