How Long Does it Take to Recover from a Shoulder Replacement?

As time passes, our joints can become frail and have complications.  Injury and accidents also can have a serious impact on joints and their movements.  People that suffer from joints that aren’t working properly or are overly painful often times seek relief in joint replacements.  Joint replacements is a serious type of surgery and usually requires weeks of physical therapy afterwards. Unfortunately, some who receive artificial implants may end up filing a shoulder replacement lawsuit over serious injuries and premature failures.

Shoulder replacements are excellent options of those who struggle with degenerated bones, disease, or experience stiffness and loss of use or movement.  For many, shoulder replacements alleviate the severe levels of pain that they have been dealing with in a bad joint.  For many, these replacements provide use and full range pf motion in a limb or area that was once constricted.  Cartilage in the shoulder is a key factor, and as time passes it can disappear, making the joint painful.  The shoulder operates as a ball-in-joint type of socket, with the cartilage acing as a buffer.  A new shoulder offers new comfort and the removal of the painful “rubbing” of the joints.

Shoulder replacements involve extensive surgery as well as therapy afterwards.  The surgery replaces the ball joint with a metal ball, and applying a smooth plastic-like surface as the new “cartilage.”  Metal and plastic together create a smooth, fluid surfaces as well as movement.  Metal on metal creates too many issues and are not recommended for joint replacements.  X-rays and CT scans will determine of the person is eligible for a joint or shoulder replacement.  Anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed first to in order to prevent major joint surgery from occurring.

Recovery and rehabilitation can take weeks and even months for full recovery.  Many doctors allow patients to return to their jobs approximately 3 weeks after, but for desk work and sedentary work only.  Heavier duties and work can be restricted for three months or more depending on the healing process.  Stressing the new joint and tendons can delay healing progress for even longer.  Usually, about three months after surgery is when patients reach high levels of comfort with their new joint.  There still might be some pain, but it should not be severe.  The six month time frame is a pain-free experience for most patients that reach it.  Aches, especially as cold weather sets in will affect the joint and many that have had shoulder replacements report the discomfort that comes with it.

Complications are usually not common in shoulder replacements, as long as the patient does not stress the muscles, tendons, or new joint too soon after surgery.  If you or someone you know has experienced shoulder replacement complications, a shoulder replacement attorney is an option to consider. Usually about a year after the replacement, approximately 95% of patients report feeling good.