How do I care for my shoulder after a total shoulder arthroplasty?

  I. Psychological care Generally, patients after shoulder arthroplasty are suffering from the disease and have a strong desire to restore the function of the limb after a long time of consideration. At the same time, we should explain in detail the purpose and effect of surgery, how to prevent dislocation after surgery and strengthen the functional exercise under the guidance as the content of the conversation. The patients are guided to proceed step by step and according to their ability, so that all patients can carry out rehabilitation training with a good psychological state.  Second, physical therapy The use of physical means to treat diseases is called physical therapy, referred to as physical therapy. The main methods are light therapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, etc.  1, light therapy The application of daylight or artificial light source treatment method is collectively known as light therapy, such as microwave therapy, the effect is mainly heat, can improve local blood circulation, relax muscle spasm and analgesia. General irradiation in the local, 20-30 minutes, 1 to 2 times a day.  2.Electrotherapy Electrotherapy is the effect of electrical stimulation on joint flexion contracture mobility (ROM), which can reduce contracture and increase ROM, for example, compound pulse therapy, each treatment time of 30 minutes, tolerance is determined according to the patient’s condition.  3.Hydrotherapy Chemical ice bag placed on the anterior side of the shoulder joint for 60-90 minutes to achieve pain relief, swelling and reduce edema exudation.  C. Functional exercise According to the rehabilitation principles, the rehabilitation after shoulder arthroplasty can be divided into 3 stages: Stage 1 (0-6 weeks after surgery): passive and auxiliary exercises of the shoulder joint. Passive and assisted shoulder exercises must be within the patient’s tolerance range. Rehabilitation of the shoulder joint can be started within 24 hours after surgery, starting with pendulum exercises, supine assisted forward flexion and supination, and external rotation exercises. Rehabilitation of the adjacent joints of the affected shoulder begins 24 hours after surgery with active, full range of motion of the affected elbow, wrist, and hand joints and forearm isometric muscle contraction exercises.  Phase 2 (6 to 12 weeks postoperatively): This phase of the exercise involves early active movement exercises, resistance muscle strength exercises, and pulling exercises. Active forward flexion supination in the supine position is performed first, which can be changed to forward flexion supination in the upright position after muscle strength is gradually restored. In addition, we can use elastic bandages or tensioners to perform internal and external rotation, as well as pulling exercises for the affected shoulder, mainly for forward flexion supination, external rotation, internal rotation and internal retraction, in order to restore the mobility of the affected shoulder joint.  Phase 3 (after 12 weeks postoperatively): The exercises in this phase are mainly to further strengthen the exercises on the premise of ensuring the recovery of the shoulder joint on the affected side, with the aim of gradually and completely restoring the muscle strength and mobility of the affected shoulder.  4. Discharge instruction After discharge, patients are required to insist on shoulder joint exercises, avoid lifting heavy objects on the affected limb and prohibit throwing sports to prevent dislocation of the artificial humeral head. It takes about 1 year for functional exercise of the shoulder joint after surgery. Patients are instructed to review the shoulder joint once in 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, and once a year afterwards.  Artificial shoulder joint replacement is different from other artificial joint replacements in the whole body, and its long-term postoperative results depend not only on the success of the surgical operation, but also on the individualized and phased postoperative rehabilitation treatment. The whole rehabilitation exercise needs to last for nearly 1 year, therefore, the rehabilitation plan and guidance for patients after discharge are also very important. Patients need regular follow-ups and nurses should provide timely and proper guidance. Fully communicate with and assess the patient to develop and implement a safe, effective, easy to understand and systematic nursing and rehabilitation exercise plan.