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Physical Therapy Before and After Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery in New Jersey
P
hysical therapy can help patients strengthen muscles and joints to prepare for shoulder replacement surgery, as well as improve strength and function afterward.
Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO) provides physical therapy at locations throughout northern New Jersey, along with treatment options for a wide range of conditions. Learn more about total shoulder replacement and physical therapy.
Reasons for Shoulder Replacement Surgery
The shoulder is a complex joint comprising the humerus and the scapula. If these bones and ligaments in the shoulder are broken, torn, or severely deformed, the patient cannot move the affected arm and will experience pain. Physical therapy can help regain function and eliminate pain. However once the anatomic structure of the shoulder becomes distorted, painful, and dysfunctional to the point that physical therapy can no longer restore mobility, the patient will require a shoulder replacement. The most common medical condition that can result in the need for a total shoulder replacement is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults.
Over 32 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis can break down the cartilage and bones of any joint, including the shoulder. Rheumatoid arthritis also can lead to the need for a total joint replacement. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation of the synovial membrane, which results in thickening of the membrane, excessive synovial fluid, stiffness of the joint, and pain. A total shoulder replacement also may be necessary in the case of a severe rotator cuff injury, upper arm fracture, or osteonecrosis.
Signs and Symptoms of Shoulder Pain That Require Physical Therapy
Shoulder pain may be located within the neck, shoulder, or down the upper arm. It may occur immediately after an injury or gradually over time. The symptoms can range from mildly discomforting to the inability to move the arm without experiencing severe pain. If the shoulder is frozen, it cannot be moved at all. Symptoms can include:
- Pain in the shoulder joint
- Swelling in the shoulder joint
- Stiffness in the shoulder joint
- Weakness in shoulder or arm
- Difficulty reaching
- Difficulty performing typical daily activities
- Difficulty sleeping due to shoulder pain
Diagnosis of Shoulder Pain
Based on the patient’s symptoms and history, a medical provider will order an X-ray. An X-ray can show loss of joint space, bone damage, bone remodeling, and bone spurs. If conservative treatment methods have failed and imaging demonstrates severe bone changes, an MRI will be ordered for further surgical planning. If indicated by the orthopedic surgeon, a total shoulder replacement might be the patient’s best solution to becoming pain-free and able to fully use the shoulder again.
Conservative treatment options often are successful and should be attempted prior to shoulder surgery. These options include:
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Pain medications
- Cortisone injections into the shoulder joint
- Limiting painful activities
If there is progressive resolution to the patient’s pain and improved use of the shoulder, surgery can be avoided. But if the anatomy has become too deformed or broken, and the patient wants to regain function, the appropriate surgery will be indicated by an orthopedic surgeon.
Overview of Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
A total shoulder replacement, also known as shoulder arthroplasty, is a common surgical procedure performed to restore the shoulder joint. About 100,000 total shoulder replacements are performed each year, including hemiarthroplasty and reverse shoulder replacement. A total shoulder replacement is performed if a patient has severe arthritic changes or a shoulder injury such as a rotator cuff tear or fracture, that prevents them from engaging in daily activity due to pain, weakness, stiffness, or loss of function.
The goal of a total shoulder replacement is to resurface the damaged shoulder joint to reduce friction between the anatomic structures. This will relieve shoulder pain. Metal and plastic implants replace damaged bone and restore the natural size and length of the humeral bone within the shoulder joint so that it perfectly fits within the shoulder’s glenohumeral joint between the head of the humerus and the scapula. The implants provide a smooth surface that augments a smooth hinge joint motion, thereby restoring the opportunity to completely regain the use of the shoulder. Postoperative, physical therapy is key to ultimately restoring function and strength.
Post-Operative Treatment and Physical Therapy
After a total shoulder replacement, the surgical area should be kept clean and dry. Physical therapy is common after a total shoulder replacement to promote tissue healing. Physical therapy helps to reduce pain and swelling, increase range of motion, and improve muscle tone and strength so the surgery is successful. Through physical therapy massages of muscles, passive and active motion exercises, training, and conditioning, patients improve their rate of recovery. Physical therapists work with patients to help them become independent, perform activities of daily living, and return to athletic activities.
Trust CNSO for Shoulder Replacement Surgery and Physical Therapy
The physical therapists at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics have expertise and years of experience treating patients with shoulder pain. Their knowledge and technical skills help patients avoid shoulder surgery. In circumstances when the medical condition requires shoulder surgery, the CNSO physical therapists, working and educating the patient along the way, expedite surgical recovery to return the patient to their expected daily lifestyle sooner. CNSO has convenient locations across northern New Jersey, including Bergen, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, and Essex counties. For shoulder pain treatment, contact CNSO today.
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In order to provide an accurate diagnosis with the most effective treatment option for “back problems” and brain tumors, CNSO is led by neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons. Under the care of our award-winning neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons, Northern NJ patients can have the confidence that their medical condition will be handled with consideration for their comfort and long-term well-being as well as technical excellence.
