Shoulder physioTherapy

SHOULDER REPLACEMENT SYDNEY

Conveniently located throughout Sydney.

No Referral Needed

If you recently had a shoulder replacement surgery (total shoulder replacement, stemmed hemiarthroplasty, resurfacing hemiarthroplasty or reverse total shoulder replacement) and require rehabilitation, you’ve come to the right place.

REFERRAL

Within 1 week

IMAGING

Suggestion: X-ray

MANAGEMENT

Initial goals of treatment are to reduce swelling and pain, while restoring passive motion. Subsequently, the treatment goals shift to active motion, strengthening the shoulder and increased functionality of the affected arm.

WHAT IS A SHOULDER REPLACEMENT?

If your shoulder joints and the surrounding tissues are seriously damaged, you may need surgery to replace it. The most common reason for shoulder replacement surgery is pain that has not responded well to conservative management. Conditions that may cause damage to the shoulder joint include:

Fractures: Fracture of the humerus or the upper arm bone.
Rotator cuff injuries: The shoulder is a a ball and socket joint. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons surrounding the shoulder joint, holding the ball joint firmly in the shoulder socket. Injuries to the rotator cuff may result in bone and cartilage damage in the shoulder joint.
Osteoarthritis: A form of arthritis caused by wear and tear, damaging the cartilage covering the ends of the shoulder joint, allowing for smooth movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune and inflammatory condition which damages the cartilage and the underlying bones of the shoulder joint.
Osteonecrosis: Disruption of blood flow to the humerus, causing the shoulder joint to breakdown.

SHOULDER REPLACEMENT OPTIONS

Your surgeon will discuss with you which surgical option suits your health needs best. There are different types of shoulder replacement surgeries:

Total Shoulder Replacement
Stemmed Hemiarthroplasty
Resurfacing Hemiarthroplasty
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement

WHAT IS A TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT?

The shoulder is a ball and socket joint. It consists of a round head of the upper arm bone called the humeral head. This ball fits into a socket in the shoulder called the glenoid fossa. A total shoulder replacement removes the damaged round head and socket and replaces them with metal and plastic parts, while maintaining their anatomical position.

WHAT IS A STEMMED HEMIARTHROPLASTY?

A partial shoulder replacement involving the replacement of only the ball or the humeral head with a metal ball and stem. This surgery may be recommended when the humeral head is severely damaged but the socket or the glenoid fossa is normal.

WHAT IS A REVERSE TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT?

A reverse shoulder replacement procedure is beneficial for people who suffer from pain and limited motion resulting from severe rotator cuff degeneration. For these individuals, the conventional total shoulder replacement is not a viable option, as the total shoulder replacement can only repair damaged cartilage surfaces if the rotator cuff tendons are intact.

The rotator cuff muscles control the humeral head, holding it in the glenoid fossa when the arm is moving. When the rotator cuff is severely damaged and there is significant degeneration of the glenoid and humeral head, the reverse shoulder replacement surgery can restore some shoulder movement and decrease shoulder pain.

During the reverse shoulder replacement surgery, the anatomy of the shoulder is altered to the exact opposite location. The surgeon replaces the damaged humeral head with an artificial glenoid fossa, and a metal ball is placed where the original glenoid fossa was. This placement of the artificial parts makes it possible to increase shoulder movement by using the metal ball as a fulcrum to the artificial glenoid fossa.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER SURGERY

After surgery, you will recover in the hospital for 1 or more days, depending on your individual health conditions and needs. An X-ray will be obtained and your shoulder will be immobilised in a sling. Physiotherapy rehabilitation will begin almost immediately following the surgical procedure. The initial goals of treatment are to reduce swelling and pain, while restoring passive motion. Subsequently, the treatment goals shift to active motion, strengthening the shoulder and increased functionality of the affected arm. A tailored, well planned rehabilitation program is essential for the success of a shoulder replacement in the hospital and while recovering at home.

Call us on (02) 9743 4672 for an appointment, or schedule an appointment online by clicking the button below.

Our team of Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists possesses in-depth knowledge and experience in evaluating, diagnosing, treating, and managing injuries or conditions related to your hand and upper extremity—encompassing your shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand—ensuring that you are well cared for.

At Action Rehab The Hands Physio, our hand therapists are experienced in post shoulder replacement surgery rehabilitation.

Get on the road to recovery, so you can do the things you love.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW

The Hands Physio provides assessment and treatment for all conditions relating to the upper limb, including mallet finger. Visit our highly qualified and friendly therapists today at a location convenient to you.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT THERAPIST FOR ROTATOR CUFF TEAR

Shoulder replacement surgery is a major operation. A well planned rehabilitation is critical for a safe and healthy recovery after shoulder replacement surgery. Serious complications and frustrations may occur if not treated appropriately.

Choosing the right hand therapist starts with them being able to read your X-rays and then fabricate the right brace for you. The therapists at Action Rehab are experienced in assessing and reading X-rays.

Our therapists do regular GP and Emergency Doctor training and can advise on the most appropriate action for your Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation.

Known for providing treatment for Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation and other hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries Action Rehab are the hand therapists that Sydney trusts.

SHOULDER REPLACEMENT FAQS

How common is shoulder replacement?

Shoulder replacement surgery is the third most common joint replacement after the hip and knee. In 2020, over 7,800 shoulder replacements were performed in Australia. It can be performed with anatomic (total shoulder replacement) or reverse implants (reverse shoulder replacement).

What are the conditions which may lead to shoulder replacement surgery?

The most common reason for shoulder replacement surgery is pain that has not responded to conservative management. Conditions that may lead to shoulder joint damage and pain includes:

Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rotator cuff injuries
Fractures
Osteonecrosis

How long does it take to recover?

If treated well, recovery from shoulder replacement surgery takes from 3-6 months for the shoulder to heal. It takes up to a year for the operated shoulder to regain full range of motion and strength.

What are the risks and complications of shoulder replacement surgery?

Potential complications of shoulder replacement surgery:

Infection
Blood clots
Nerve damage
Rotator cuff failure
Fracture of bone during surgery
Loosening of implant parts
Dislocation of implant parts

Is it a serious condition?

Shoulder replacement is a major surgery that require advance planning and tailored post surgical rehabilitation to ensure successful surgery and recovery

Will it go away if left untreated?

A tailored, well planned rehabilitation program is critical for the success of the shoulder replacement in the hospital and recovering at home. Your rehabilitation will help you regain mobility and strength in the operated arm to safely get back to your normal activities.