Yes, a shoulder replacement is a big operation and is considered major surgery as the surgeon cuts into the skin, muscle and bone to swap out the damaged shoulder joint with artificial parts.
Shoulder replacement surgery involves anesthesia, cutting, implants and takes around 1 to 2 hours.
Before the shoulder replacement surgery, you will receive general anesthesia to sleep through the shoulder replacement surgery operation and also given a nerve block to numb your shoulder.
The surgeon then cuts into your shoulder and removes the damaged ball and socket parts of the shoulder joint.
Then the surgeon attaches metal and plastic pieces to mimic your natural shoulder joint.
The entire shoulder replacement surgery operation takes 1 to 2 hours from start to finish.
After the shoulder replacement surgery operation, most people go home the same day if the shoulder replacement surgery happens early in the morning.
And complete healing and getting your strength back after the shoulder replacement surgery takes several months and you must also do physical therapy exercises to move your arm again after shoulder replacement surgery.
Shoulder replacement surgery is a very safe operation although it also carries some risks which include infection at the site, blood clots and damage to nearby nerves or blood vessels.
After shoulder replacement surgery you should never lift heavy objects, engage in high-impact contact sports, or force extreme twisting motions with your new shoulder joint.
Permanent and Long-Term Restrictions after a shoulder replacement surgery include:
Heavy lifting: Avoid repetitive lifting over 20 to 25 pounds to prevent loosening the artificial parts.
Contact sports: Never play football, hockey, or other high-impact sports where you might fall or take a heavy hit.
High-stress exercises: Do not do push-ups, pull-ups, or heavy bench presses that put direct body weight on the joint.
Vibration-heavy tools: Avoid using jackhammers or heavy vibrating machinery that can damage the bone-implant bond.
Early Recovery Restrictions after shoulder replacement surgery include:
No weight bearing: Do not push yourself up from a chair or bed using the operated arm.
No reaching behind: Do not reach far behind your back or twist the arm outward into extreme positions early on.
No sudden movements: Avoid jerky or fast arm motions that can strain healing tissues.