Phase 1: Early Post-Surgery Rehabilitation (0-2 Weeks)

During the first two weeks post-surgery, the focus is on gentle, passive exercises to maintain mobility without stressing the repair․ Patients should continue wearing the sling full-time except during exercises or bathing․ Passive range of motion exercises, such as shoulder rotations and gentle scapular movements, are performed by a therapist or caregiver․ Active elbow, wrist, and hand exercises are encouraged to prevent stiffness and promote circulation․ Squeezing the shoulder blades together while in the sling is recommended to maintain posture and reduce swelling․ Ice therapy should continue, applying ice 4-5 times daily for 15-20 minutes․ Patients must avoid active lifting, heavy lifting, or any movement that causes pain․ Gentle neck stretches and breathing exercises can also be incorporated to enhance comfort and relaxation․ These early exercises lay the groundwork for successful rehabilitation by protecting the shoulder while maintaining basic mobility and strength in the surrounding muscles․

Phase 2: Strengthening and Mobility (6-8 Weeks Post-Surgery)

At 6-8 weeks post-surgery, the focus shifts to strengthening and improving mobility․ Patients can gradually introduce resistance exercises using a theraband, starting with light resistance․ Exercises include rows, internal rotation, and external rotation, performed in sets of 10 repetitions, 3 times daily․ Passive range of motion (PROM) continues, with a focus on increasing forward flexion and external rotation․ Active-assisted exercises, such as supine forward elevation and external rotation, are also introduced․ Patients should avoid heavy lifting but can start light functional activities, such as carrying small objects․ Strengthening exercises for the scapular stabilizers and deltoid muscles are emphasized to improve overall shoulder function․ Progression of exercises should be gradual, with resistance increased as strength improves․ Regular physical therapy sessions are crucial to ensure proper form and progression․ Patients are encouraged to continue with home exercises to maintain and enhance mobility․ This phase is critical for building a foundation of strength and mobility, preparing for more advanced activities in later stages of recovery․

Phase 3: Advanced Strengthening and Functional Activities (3-6 Months Post-Surgery)

By 3-6 months post-surgery, patients progress to advanced strengthening and functional activities․ This phase focuses on improving strength, endurance, and the ability to perform daily tasks and recreational activities․ Eccentric exercises, plyometrics, and closed-chain exercises are introduced to enhance muscle function․ Patients can gradually resume light overhead work for short durations and lift small to moderate weights (up to 5-10kg)․ Functional activities, such as reaching or light household tasks, are encouraged to restore independence․ Theraband exercises continue, with increased resistance and repetitions․ Active range of motion exercises are progressed to improve flexibility and joint mobility․ Patients are also guided to return to low-impact sports or hobbies, avoiding high-impact activities․ This phase emphasizes the transition from structured rehabilitation to independent exercise routines, ensuring long-term strength and functionality․ Regular follow-ups with physical therapists help monitor progress and address any remaining limitations․ The goal is to achieve near-normal shoulder function, enabling patients to resume their pre-surgery lifestyle safely and effectively․

Physical Therapy and Exercise Progression

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of recovery after reverse total shoulder replacement, beginning within the first week post-surgery․ The therapy program is divided into structured phases, with exercises progressing from passive range of motion to active movements, and eventually to strengthening and functional activities․ Initially, gentle exercises like pendulum swings and shoulder blade squeezes are performed to maintain mobility without stressing the repair․ As healing progresses, resistance exercises using theraband are introduced to target the rotator cuff and deltoid muscles․ By 12 weeks, patients typically advance to eccentric exercises and plyometrics to enhance strength and stability․ Throughout this process, the physical therapist tailors the program to the patient’s progress, ensuring a safe and effective transition to more demanding activities․ Regular attendance at therapy sessions, combined with a consistent home exercise routine, is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes․ The goal is to restore functional mobility, strength, and independence, enabling patients to resume daily activities and hobbies safely․

Rehabilitation Protocols and Exercise Frequency

Rehabilitation after reverse total shoulder replacement follows a structured protocol to ensure safe and effective recovery․ Patients typically begin physical therapy within the first week post-surgery, attending 2-3 sessions per week for 12 weeks․ Exercises are divided into phases, with specific frequency and intensity guidelines․ In the initial phase (0-2 weeks), exercises focus on gentle range of motion and shoulder posture, performed 3-4 times daily․ As healing progresses, strengthening exercises with resistance bands are introduced, with patients completing 3 sets of 10 repetitions twice a day․ By 12 weeks, patients progress to more advanced exercises like eccentric movements and plyometrics to enhance strength and stability․ Consistency is key, as adherence to the prescribed exercise frequency promotes optimal recovery․ Patients are also encouraged to perform daily home exercises, including pendulum swings and wrist/elbow movements, to maintain mobility and strength․ Avoiding heavy lifting and overhead activities during the early stages is critical to prevent complications․ Regular follow-ups with the physical therapist ensure progression aligns with healing and functional goals․

Common Exercises for Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

Common exercises for reverse total shoulder replacement focus on restoring mobility, strength, and function․ Early exercises include pendulum swings, shoulder posture exercises, and passive range of motion activities․ Patients are encouraged to perform internal rotation exercises using a towel for resistance․ Strengthening exercises with a theraband, such as rowing motions, are introduced as healing progresses․ Active elbow and wrist movements are also essential to maintain dexterity․ Gentle neck stretches and scapular squeezes help improve posture and reduce stiffness․ By 12 weeks, patients progress to eccentric exercises and plyometrics to enhance strength and stability․ These exercises are typically performed 3-4 times daily, with 3 sets of 10 repetitions․ Consistency is key to achieving optimal recovery and preventing complications․ Always consult a physical therapist to tailor exercises to individual needs and ensure proper form․

Avoiding Complications: What Not to Do

Avoiding certain activities is crucial to prevent complications after reverse total shoulder replacement․ Lifting heavy objects, bending, or reaching overhead should be avoided for at least 6-8 weeks․ Patients should not actively lift their arm during the initial healing phase, as this can strain the repaired tissues․ External rotation beyond 30 degrees and internal rotation behind the back should be avoided to protect the subscapularis tendon․ Additionally, patients should not push or pull heavy objects, as this can disrupt the shoulder joint․ Avoiding these activities ensures proper healing and reduces the risk of dislocation or tendon damage․ Using the unaffected arm for daily activities and adhering to the prescribed rehabilitation program is essential․ These precautions are vital to safeguard the repair and achieve a successful recovery․