Three Common Questions About Shoulder Replacements Answered by an Expert Physical Therapist
- drcasey51
- Nov 11
- 5 min read
Shoulder replacements are life-changing procedures—but the process can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re still deciding if surgery is the right choice or already preparing for your procedure, understanding the basics can help you feel more confident and in control. As physical therapists, we work with many people both preparing for and recovering from shoulder replacements—and we’ve seen firsthand how transformative these surgeries can be. While pain relief is a major goal, most patients want something even more important: to get back to living, like returning to golf, yoga, putting away dishes, playing with kids or grandkids, walking the dog, clipping a bra or reaching for a belt. These movements might seem small, but they can mean everything when it comes to independence and quality of life.
Let’s walk through three of the most common questions I get from patients considering a total shoulder replacement or reverse total shoulder replacement.
1. Will I Have Normal Shoulder Movement After Surgery?
You can achieve the amount of movement that you need for everyday tasks! Let’s talk about range of motion (ROM). There are two terms we want to make sure that we differentiate: Normal ROM vs Functional ROM.
Normal ROM referes to the amount of movement you would get from a joint that has no structural limtations: no arthritis, ligament tightness, muscle injuries, ect. Functional ROM referes to the amount of movement you need to complete all activites of daily living (ADL's), and is less than normal ROM.
Normal overhead range: Lifting your arms straight up with elbows extended and arms near the ears—this is about 180 degrees.
Functional overhead range: Around 120 degrees. This is enough for everyday tasks like washing your hair, loading cabinets, or hanging clothes.
What this means for you: You might not regain “normal” range of motion—but with the right rehabilitation plan, most patients do return to functional range, which is meaningful.
Total shoulder replacements tend to allow for more motion than reverse total shoulder replacements, often returning to full or nearlly full ROM. However both can provide meaningful movement. With consistent training, patients often return to active hobbies like pickleball, swimming, strength training, and more. It’s not an overnight process, but it’s doable with patience, hard work, and the right support.
2. Will I Be Able to Reach Behind My Back?
This is one of the most common (and personal) questions we get— people wondering if they’ll be able to:
Clip a bra
Put on a belt
Clean up after using the bathroom
These are essential motions that directly affect independence and confidence.
Here’s the catch: After surgery, reaching behind your back is restricted for a while to protect healing tissues. It’s also one of the last motions we reintroduce in therapy since more healing is required first. Don't worry, there are tricks for being independent with the above tasks in the meantime.
Also, with total shoulder replacement, many patients regain this ability. With a reverse total shoulder, this movement is less predictable—but not impossible. Some people do recover it with time and targeted care. If the movement ends up being difficult, your physical therapy team can help find alternate ways to complete necessary tasks (e.g. loop your belt before putting on your pants).
3. Should I Get a Total or Reverse Shoulder Replacement?
This decision is made between you and your orthopedic surgeon—and it depends on the health of your rotator cuff, the group of shoulder muscles that support the joint.
If the rotator cuff is intact and strong, a total shoulder replacement is usually preferred.
If the rotator cuff is severely torn or not functioning, a reverse total shoulder replacement is often the better option.
At first, the term “reverse” shoulder might sound intense—but it works. I’ve had many patients return to golf, fitness classes, and daily activities with confidence after both types of replacements.
Pro tip: Don't be afraid to get a second opinion if you're unsure. Feeling confident in your surgical plan is essential.
Final Thoughts
Shoulder replacement surgery is a big decision—but one that can lead to big rewards. Whether you're hoping to reduce pain, gain mobility, or return to the things you love, a thoughtful rehab plan makes all the difference.
Looking for more details on shoulder replacements? Dr. Casey presents a detailed overview of the different types of total shoulder replacement surgery and how it relates to the recovery process in this informational youtube video:
For more reading material, check out the free article below:
If you’re considering surgery or currently recovering, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way. The more strength and ROM you have going into a surgery (of any kind) the better your rehab potential is afterward. After surgery, targeted guidance can speed up your recovery.
Want help now?
As physical therapists, we help our shoulder patients by answering questions, understanding your goals, evaluating movement, and creating a specific plan for recovery.
Click below to talk to one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy to see how we can help you.
About The Authors
Dr. Dawn Thomas DScPT, OMPT is a lover of all things movement and a doctor of physical therapy with over 30 years of experience. She creates innovative programs for all walks of life, ranging from personalized care to group sessions and online education. Passionate about helping people stay active and independent, she specializes in fall prevention and balance training. Outside of work, you can find her hiking, swimming, adventure traveling, and inspiring her community to move at every age.
Casey Masek, PT, DPT is a dedicated doctor of physical therapy with a decade of experience helping people move and feel their best—whether they’re recovering from an injury or building healthier habits to prevent one. With a passion for proactive, sustainable wellness, she supports clients in making movement a natural part of their daily lives. When she’s not working with patients or creating wellness solutions, you’ll find her outside soaking up the fresh air—walking, hiking, gardening or playing with her kids. She believes that movement is medicine and loves helping others experience that truth for themselves.
Dr. Melissa Tye is a board-certified neurologic doctor of physical therapy passionate about helping people restore movement and achieve their wellness goals through the power of exercise. In addition to her work in physical therapy, Mel also works in healthcare marketing research, speaking directly with consumers to better understand them. Whether it's PT or MR, she feels it is important to achieve a partnership and deep understanding of a client's goals. When not working, Melissa is spending time with her husband and 3 sons or exercising in order to ensure she can keep up with them!
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