Rehabilitation after shoulder replacement

Within Sint-Trudo Hospital, we have a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for those who receive a new shoulder. Our main goal is a smooth return to the home environment so you can continue rehabilitation safely in your familiar surroundings.

Pathway

Even though the surgery is successful, a prosthesis is a foreign material that the body must get used to. Overuse and incorrect movements can hinder recovery. It is important to move well and often and to alternate this with moments of rest. Therefore, you will be monitored on multiple disciplines and challenged with various exercises.

  • Physiotherapy: During your stay in our hospital we strive for a normal mobility of the joint.
  • Occupational therapy: The occupational therapist trains you to function as independently as possible. You learn to perform basic actions (e.g. getting in and out of bed/car, lying and sitting position, getting up and sitting down, picking something up from the floor...). Together you review your home situation and household tasks and whether adjustments need to be made here.

Rehabilitation

After the operation you must not make any shoulder movements. You will therefore wear a sling that supports your elbow. You will receive all the necessary information about your recovery on the ward during your stay. Together with the physiotherapist and occupational therapist you will discuss which activities you should not do after your operation and for how long you should not do them. After your discharge from the hospital, you have the choice of seeing a private physiotherapist or rehabilitating in our rehabilitation center. Your doctor will give you a prescription for the physical therapist to follow.

Rehabilitation after a prosthesis is part of the orthopedic rehabilitation program. Read more about it through the link below, in the brochure you will find some sample exercises.

Orthopedic rehabilitation

Frequently Asked Questions

If you would like to come to the hospital for physical therapy after returning home, it is best to mention this during your pre-admission visit. If you make this decision at a later time (during the admission or after the surgery), it is best to let the physiotherapist know. This way, your appointment can still be arranged.

No, if you wish to continue rehabilitation (in the hospital or externally) after admission, this period is at least two weeks.