Rehabilitation protocols
Total shoulder replacement rehabilitation
There are two kinds of total shoulder replacement — anatomic and reverse — and because they are protected differently early on, each has its own rehabilitation protocol. Choose the one your surgical team selected for you.
Not sure which one is yours?
Your surgical team selects the type of replacement and the protocol that goes with it. If you are not sure whether you had an anatomic or a reverse replacement, use the protocol your surgeon or physical therapist gave you, or ask your surgical team — don't choose based on guesswork. Your operative note and the plan your surgeon selected always take precedence.
Choose your protocol
Anatomic Total Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation protocol after an anatomic total shoulder replacement, where the shoulder is protected while it heals and progression is criteria-based. Your surgeon and physical therapist will tailor it to you — always follow the individualized plan they give you, and use only the protocol your surgical team selected.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation Protocol
The current rehabilitation protocol after a reverse total shoulder replacement, where the shoulder is protected while it heals and progression is criteria-based. Your surgeon and physical therapist will tailor it to you — always follow the individualized plan they give you, and use only the protocol your surgical team selected.
Next step
Following a protocol after your shoulder replacement?
Use only the protocol your surgical team selected, and follow the individualized plan from your surgeon and physical therapist. Questions? You can request an appointment. This website is not monitored for emergencies — for a medical emergency, call 911.