How does shoulder replacement surgery differ from knees or hips?

Other than the obvious technical aspects of the surgery, recovery from either a standard or reverse shoulder replacement usually is a bit easier than either knees or hips. Unlike knees or hips, it is likely your shoulder will be immobilized for up to 6 weeks to allow things to completely heal before beginning any serious physical therapy. You will have some passive motion exercises to keep the joint loose and mobile, but likely will be restricted from using the joint in any meaningful way. It is critical to adhere to your surgeon’s guidelines, as it is possible to damage unhealed soft tissue and lack any movement at all can result in a “frozen” joint. Pain is usually managed early in the recovery with Tylenol and sleep disruptions can be much less than with other joints.