How long should a patient typically undergo physical therapy following total shoulder arthroplasty?

Following total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), the typical duration for a patient to undergo physical therapy is about 6 to 12 weeks. This timeframe is crucial for several reasons.

First, the early phase of recovery, which lasts for the first few weeks post-surgery, focuses on managing pain and swelling, as well as beginning gentle range-of-motion exercises. As the healing process progresses, physical therapy transitions into strengthening and functional recovery exercises. By the 6 to 12-week mark, patients are generally encouraged to engage in more advanced rehabilitation that helps improve shoulder function and restore strength.

Engaging in physical therapy for a duration within this range provides essential support for patients to regain shoulder mobility and strength, promoting a more favorable long-term outcome. It also helps in minimizing the risk of complications such as stiffness or loss of motion, which can occur if rehabilitation is not pursued adequately.

Understanding this timeline is important for both patients and healthcare providers to ensure that the recovery process is effective and aligned with best practice standards in post-operative care following TSA.