What can I expect in terms of activity, pain relief, and range of motion from shoulder replacement once recovery is complete?

Both standard and reverse shoulder replacements can significantly relieve pain from the loss of cartilage in the joint. Most patients are able to resume normal activities after recovery, although there may be some weight lifting limitations given by your surgeon, especially for a reverse replacement. Some patients have returned to sports gradually with no problems. It is possible that you may have some limits to movements behind your back, but many times that can be improved with targeted therapy once you are completely healed from the surgery.