Preparing for joint replacement isn’t just about the procedure—it’s about how well you’re set up to recover and heal. The better you prepare, the smoother your path will be toward restored strength and comfort.
At Singh Orthopedics, trusted orthopedic specialist Dr. Neil Singh offers expert care for complex shoulder conditions in New Castle, PA. Whether you’re planning a total shoulder arthroplasty, reverse shoulder replacement, or partial joint replacement, Dr. Singh and his team are here to guide you through the process with personalized plans and the latest surgical technologies. If you’re scheduling shoulder surgery, call us at 724-656-0086 or book an appointment online to start preparing for success.
Let’s walk through eight practical ways to prepare for your shoulder replacement—and help you feel confident every step of the way.
1. Strengthen Your Shoulder and Arm Before Surgery
Leading up to surgery, your surgeon might recommend targeted exercises to strengthen your shoulder, upper arm, and surrounding muscles. Building strength can help your shoulder handle post-surgery recovery better and make it easier to regain movement.
Focus on low-impact flexibility and range-of-motion exercises to keep your joint mobile. Avoid any activities that worsen your pain or strain damaged areas. Always follow your provider’s specific recommendations to protect your shoulder.
2. Discuss Medications and Medical History With Your Surgeon
Before your surgery, you’ll meet with your care team to review your full medical history, current medications, allergies, and past surgical experiences. Let your orthopedic surgeon know if you’ve had complications with general anesthesia or nerve blocks in the past.
Some medications, such as blood thinners or certain supplements, may need to be paused or adjusted to minimize the risk of bleeding or other potential complications during surgery.
3. Set Up a Recovery-Friendly Home Environment
After surgery, your arm and shoulder movement will be limited for weeks, especially while wearing a sling. Setting up a recovery-friendly environment ahead of time can make your healing process much easier.
Key preparation tips include:
- Moving essentials (like clothing and food) to waist-level for easy access
- Arranging a sleep area where you can rest in an upright position
- Installing night lights to improve visibility and reduce fall risks
- Adding slip-resistant rugs and clearing pathways to prevent accidents
A little planning goes a long way in creating a safer, more comfortable space for recovery.
4. Arrange for Help at Home
After surgery, you’ll likely need help with daily activities like dressing, bathing, meal prep, and household tasks—especially in the initial weeks while you wear a shoulder sling and follow activity restrictions.
Ask a family member, friend, or caregiver to assist you during the early phase of recovery from shoulder replacement. Having support ensures that you can focus on healing.
5. Learn About the Triple S (SSS) Rehab Program
At Singh Orthopedics, Dr. Singh recommends the Triple S (SSS) program by Elizur as part of a structured rehabilitation plan for shoulder replacement patients. This innovative product allows patients to initiate rehabilitation in the comfort of their homes, saving in-person physical therapy sessions for when they are most needed.
By using the Triple S program early, patients can safely improve strength and flexibility while building toward more advanced physical therapy steps with a professional therapist. This staged approach ensures that every visit with your therapist is maximized, while supporting recovery at home in its critical phases.
6. Review What to Expect During Your Hospital Stay
Most shoulder replacement surgeries require general anesthesia, with some patients opting for additional nerve blocks to manage immediate post-surgery pain. Post-surgery, you’ll spend time in a recovery room under careful observation.
Before you’re discharged, your care team will provide detailed instructions on:
- Wound care
- Pain management plans
- Sling usage guidelines
- Scheduling follow-up appointments
Don’t hesitate to ask any last-minute questions before leaving the hospital to ensure you’re fully prepared for the early stages of recovery.
7. Understand the Role of GPS Technology in Your Surgery
During your procedure, Dr. Singh utilizes cutting-edge GPS navigation technology by Exactech, ensuring unparalleled precision in joint alignment and implant placement. This advanced system provides real-time data, enabling your surgeon to tailor the procedure to your specific anatomy for the best possible outcomes.
The use of GPS technology in shoulder replacement surgery can contribute to enhanced implant accuracy, greater joint stability, and a smoother overall recovery.
8. Monitor for Complications and Stay in Touch With Your Surgeon
Although shoulder replacement surgery is generally very safe, it’s important to stay vigilant for potential complications. Contact your surgeon if you notice:
- Worsening pain unresponsive to medications
- Fever, redness, or discharge around the incision site (signs of infection)
- Swelling in your arm or hand
- Significant changes in shoulder mobility
Dr. Singh’s team is dedicated to supporting you through your recovery, addressing any concerns promptly, and ensuring you’re healing well.
Count on Singh Orthopedics for Recovery That Moves You Forward
Shoulder replacement surgery is a life-changing procedure, but preparation is the key to success. From strengthening your arm pre-surgery to leveraging the Triple S home rehab program and GPS-assisted surgical precision, Singh Orthopedics provides the most comprehensive care for shoulder pain and recovery in New Castle.
Call us at 724-656-0086 or schedule a consultation onlineto start preparing for your shoulder replacement surgery with expert guidance from Dr. Neil Singh.
