12/11/2025
If you're starting to wonder if your chronic shoulder pain means a shoulder replacement is in your future, read this!
I spend my days treating shoulder conditions, and sometimes that leads to surgery. We always try conservative treatments first like physical therapy, injections, and icing. But sometimes the pain, trouble sleeping, or loss of function means surgery is the best option.
For a shoulder evaluation, we do a history, physical exam, and imaging like X-rays, CT, or MRI. Getting an accurate diagnosis is key. If conservative treatments donât work, we talk through surgery details, rehab, recovery, risks, and benefits.
Before surgery, youâll get medical clearance, handle any health issues, avoid smoking, and prepare your home for limited mobility and no driving for a few weeks. After surgery youâll recover at home. Use your pain meds as prescribed and ice the area a few times a day.
Recovery has three stages:
1ď¸âŁ Stage 1 (4â6 weeks): Wear a sling, start PT, avoid stressing the repair, and donât drive.
2ď¸âŁ Stage 2 (4â6 weeks): No sling, light weights only, no overhead lifting, focus on shoulder blade strength.
3ď¸âŁ Stage 3: Build strength and return to normal function.
Getting ready before surgery helps you recover faster and with less stress. If shoulder pain is slowing you down or youâre nervous about surgery, come see me. We do everything we can to help your shoulder without surgery first.
Book an appointment here: bit.ly/mooseherring
