Exercises after reverse shoulder replacement start in the first days with the hand, wrist and elbow, then the shoulder movement your surgeon allows, then gradual strengthening of the deltoid, which the reverse implant depends on. Your surgeon and physiotherapist set the programme; the timings below are approximate.
✅ Last medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, on 5 October 2026
Exercise phases
| Phase | Approximate timing | Example exercises |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Protection | Weeks 0–6 | Hand squeezes, elbow bending and straightening, wrist circles, gentle pendulums if your surgeon allows |
| 2. Assisted motion | Weeks 6–12 | Lifting the arm with help from the other hand or a stick, table slides, water exercises if available |
| 3. Strengthening | Months 3–6 | Light resistance-band deltoid work, shoulder-blade muscles, very light weights |
| 4. Function | After 6 months | Daily activities and light hobbies as your surgeon advises |
Exercises for the first weeks
- Hand squeezes: squeeze a soft ball several times a day.
- Elbow bending and straightening: keep the shoulder still by your side.
- Wrist movement: up, down and in circles.
- Pendulum: lean forward and let the arm hang and swing in small circles — only if your surgeon allows.
- Shoulder-blade squeeze: gently draw both shoulder blades back.
Movements to avoid in the first weeks
- Pushing up with the arm to get out of bed or a chair.
- Reaching behind your back (tucking in a shirt, toileting).
- Lifting, pulling or pushing heavy objects.
- Sudden jerky movements or contact sports.
When to stop and call your doctor
- Sudden severe pain or a feeling that the joint has come out of place.
- Heat, redness or discharge from the wound.
- Increasing numbness or weakness in the hand.
- Increasing swelling of the arm.
Key numbers to know
- Across 7 studies (1,606 shoulders), starting motion within two weeks of reverse replacement sped up early movement without more dislocations (1.4% in both groups) (Alkhouri et al., 2026).
- Reverse shoulder replacement survival was 93% at 10 years, with complications in 29% and revision in 12% in a follow-up of 191 implants (Bacle et al., JBJS 2017).
- Shoulder replacements increased 5.6-fold between 1998 and 2017, and the risk of a serious adverse event within 30 days was 3.5% (1 in 28) (Craig et al., BMJ 2019).
| Treatment | When we use it | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Conservative care: physiotherapy, pain relief, injections | Early arthritis or tolerable pain | Less pain and better movement |
| Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair | A repairable cuff tear without advanced arthritis | Preserves the natural joint |
| Anatomic shoulder replacement | Arthritis with healthy cuff tendons | Good movement and pain relief |
| Reverse shoulder replacement | Cuff tear arthropathy, massive irreparable tears, complex fractures in older adults, or failed surgery | Uses the deltoid to lift the arm and relieves pain |
At Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi’s clinics in Nasr City, Mohandeseen and New Cairo (5th Settlement) we examine the shoulder and review your X-rays and MRI at the same visit, assessing the tendons and bone before choosing conservative care or the right implant.
Video: a simple home shoulder movement test
Frequently asked questions about exercises after shoulder replacement
When do exercises start after shoulder replacement?
In the first days with the hand, wrist and elbow, then shoulder movement as your surgeon instructs.
Which exercises should be avoided after a reverse replacement?
Pushing up with the arm, reaching behind the back and lifting weights in the first weeks.
When does strengthening start?
Usually around 3 months, with light resistance bands and slow progression.
Do I need a physiotherapist?
It is recommended to assess progress and adjust exercises, alongside daily home exercises.
Can I lift my arm above my head after a reverse replacement?
Most patients regain good elevation after rehabilitation, though internal rotation may stay limited.
To have your shoulder assessed, book a consultation, call +20 155 240 4488 or message us on WhatsApp at +20 155 554 7181.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. This article is general medical education and does not replace an examination or the plan your surgeon sets for you. See our medical disclaimer.
Related shoulder replacement guides
Exercise is one part of recovery after reverse shoulder replacement. Read also:
References
- Alkhouri S, et al. Early versus conventional postoperative rehabilitation after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a systematic review of functional outcomes and complications. Disabil Rehabil. 2026:1-14.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Shoulder Surgery Exercise Guide.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement.