Reverse Shoulder Replacement even more questions

[leonberg]

I am starting to have more reservations about the reverse shoulder replacement surgery scheduled for April 20. The biggest reason is restricted ROM after healing. I knew i might not be able to reach behind my back but i never thought about not being able to swim the freestyle or crawl stroke. I have a full tear for two tendons and definitly pain but still have my range of motion. This makes the choice much harder for me. I have pain elsewhere in my body too so i wonder if the benefits are worth it. Has anyone been able to swim after surgery with the crawl or is this a never going to change thing? I have had courses of PT with no change so i have to do something. I was more certain when i had my knee done than i am now.

 

[djklaugh]

@leonberg My 2 shoulder replacements were standard ones not reverse so I don't know how reverse replacement would work vis a vis swimming. For me I just can't get a smooth around and down motion with the new shoulders -- but that is just me. I can do breast stroke, side stroke, doggy paddle with no problem. Do ask your surgeon about how other reverse shoulder replacement patients in his practice have been able to manage this. Everyone's experience with shoulder replacement (and any other joint too) is unique to them.

It is my understanding that the reverse procedure better addresses shoulder problems when there are both tendon damage and damage to the bones. Since your surgeon has recommended the reverse procedure it sounds like he is confident that will help you regain pain free shoulders and much better ROM and functionality than you have now.