Shoulder Joint

Generally speaking, an orthopedic surgeon will try to treat shoulder pain non-surgically before proceeding with a surgical approach. Based on your individual and family medical history, physical examination and applicable diagnostic test results, a physician could recommend any number of non-surgical treatment options for your shoulder pain. These may include lifestyle changes, like activity modification and diet; medication; physical therapy; or other minimally-invasive treatments like orthobiologics or corticosteroid shots.

If your injury requires immediate intervention, or a more conservative approach has failed to address your shoulder pain, your surgeon may elect to proceed with a surgical procedure. Thanks to advances in the science and techniques of orthopaedic surgery, many procedures are now performed arthroscopically, which allow the surgeon to work in the joint through incisions much smaller than those required by traditional open techniques. Smaller incisions lead to faster recovery times and lower the chances of infection during your procedure. However, some procedures, like those required for traumatic injuries or total joint replacements, are still performed using open techniques.

If your osteoarthritis does not respond to conservative treatment, like physical therapy and medication, your surgeon may elect to proceed with surgical intervention, specifically a total or reverse shoulder replacement. Total shoulder replacements require your surgeon to replace the “ball and socket” components of the shoulder anatomy as they naturally occur (i.e., the “ball” at the head of the humerus and the glenoid “socket” are replaced with synthetic components). In reverse total shoulder replacements, these components are switched; the synthetic “ball” is rooted where the “socket” naturally occurs and the synthetic “socket” is placed at the head of the humerus. The health and stability of the rest of your shoulder will help determine which procedure your surgeon elects to move forward with.

There are many factors that affect the recovery process following shoulder replacement surgery. Age, occupation, health status, individual and family medical history, and the type of procedure performed all influence the recovery process. Generally speaking, a patient can expect to regain day-to-day functioning of the shoulder 3-4 weeks following surgery, with healing and improvements in strength and function continuing for up to a year. During this time, patients will work with their surgeon and physical therapist to ensure they maintain a healthy recovery program.