Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Shoulder pain increasing after replacement surgery

I had shoulder replacement surgery in September 2008 (severe osteoarthritis).  I seemed to do quite well right after surgery (allowing for normal post operative pain and stiffness).  I was in my immobilizer for six weeks after surgery and had all the normal post operative PT appointments (in addition to the ones I had prior to surgery).

Over the past month or so, the pain in my shoulder has been increasing to the point where it is waking me up several times a night again like it was before surgery.  I also have to have a pillow behind my shoulder when I sleep in order to get any kind of sleep at all.  The pain is also pretty constant during the day, so it's not just a positional thing at night.  I have not done any major lifting with the affected arm, nor have I injured it again (to my knowledge anyway).  I also have notice some diminishing of range of motion, although not as bad yet as it was before surgery.

I was wondering how common this is and what the possible causes might be.  I'm hoping to be able to avoid a second surgery.  

Thank you
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
7721494 tn?1431627964
Shoulder replacement surgery affects many muscles and nerves, however, after 3 months, surgical pain should be much better. This is what your doctor is treating.

Your doctor may have explained that once surgery is healed, you will need some extensive rehabilitation via physical therapy to adapt to your new shoulder. Inflammation must be worked out of soft tissue, muscles must regain tone and elasticity. While this exercise will cause some discomfort, it should not require opioid pain medications, and the anti-inflammatory effect of an NSAID like aspirin will help reduce some of that inflammation.

When you say a "whole lot of aspirin" remember to stay within recommended daily doses, and always take aspirin with food to protect your stomach.

Ice and heat pack applications, hot baths, and self massage of the muscles of the chest, shoulder, and back will promote healing and reduce pain.

Best wishes in your recovery.
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
One year after total shoulder replacement, I began to experience limited range of motion (especially when reaching) and felt it was "catching" while reaching, and with excruciating pain Dr. said not the hardware. Was sent to PT, after 5 months I didn't respond. Went to a different PT, same thing. No results. Then got a steroid shot at a pain management clinic. No results. Thinking I'll have to live with the main and limited ROM.
Avatar universal
Hi I just had shoulder replacement.  It will be 3 months in Jan but my doctor wants me to stop taking pain medication and take a whole lot of aspirin. How will this help?
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Pain will only relieve with physiotherapy and if it does not decrease over a period of time of 3 months after surgery you should go near your operating surgeon to know the reason of the pain. I do not think you would need any surgery, even with nerve irritation or some inflammation with a tendon it might occur. Good to diagnose your problem and then go for cure. Take care!
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Orthopedics Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
How to bounce back fast from an ankle sprain - and stay pain free.
Patellofemoral pain and what to do about it.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.