What is the recommended rehabilitation protocol's time frame post-TSA?

The recommended rehabilitation protocol post-Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA) involves a gradual increase in activity over several months. After surgery, patients typically experience a period where the shoulder needs protection and healing, which is usually guided by the physician's protocol. This timeframe allows for adequate recovery of the soft tissues around the joint, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Patients start with passive range of motion exercises and progress to more active movements as healing occurs. Gradual rehabilitation helps to restore function, strength, and range of motion while minimizing the risk of complications, such as dislocation or joint stiffness. This structured approach ensures that patients can safely return to their daily activities and desired physical tasks without compromising the surgical outcome.

The other approaches, such as immediate joint usage, strict bed rest, or only starting physical therapy one week post-op, do not align with the best practices established in orthopedic rehabilitation. Immediate usage can lead to undue stress on a healing joint, strict bed rest may lead to complications from immobility, and starting physical therapy too soon may not provide the necessary progression for recovery.