Patient/caregiver was instructed regarding lifestyle measures for individuals undergoing shoulder replacement surgery as follows:
- Poor posture of the chest with rounded shoulders can add stress on the implanted shoulder resulting in pain. Expansion of chest with shoulders spread wide apart and chest puffed up can help relieve the stress on the implanted shoulder, aiding in pain relief and prolonging the duration of implant.
- Individuals with history of shoulder replacement must avoid/limit participating in overhead sports, such as, basketball, volleyball, baseball, tennis, throwball, and other field throwing events. They should also limit participating in any activities involving use of upper arm and shoulder above the level of head, which can compromise the integrity of the artificial joint.
- Avoid/limit participation in water sports, such as, swimming, which involves rotating the shoulder up and above the level of head.
- Usually adult individuals need about 3 to 3.5 liters of fluid for metabolic needs, unless one is placed on any fluid limitations. As at least 70% of muscle tissue is made of water, fluid plays a significant role in maintaining muscle activity and preventing muscle fatigue. Thus, compliance with fluid intake recommendations not only helps with reducing muscle fatigue and improving joint mobility. Check with your physician on recommendation regarding fluid volume intake and observe compliance with the recommendation made.
