When should you think about a shoulder replacement surgery?

If your shoulder pain doesn’t go away with rest, medicine, or therapy, you might consider that a shoulder replacement is the right choice for you. Also, if you have pain that affects you at night and disrupts your sleep, you might consider a shoulder replacement.

Not all shoulder pain means you need surgery. But if you have the following problems, it may be time to talk to your doctor:

• Severe pain that won't go away – If your shoulder hurts even when you’re resting or trying to sleep, it could be a sign that the joint is badly damaged. 
• Stiffness and weakness – If you can’t move your arm the way you used to or struggle to lift things, your shoulder joint may not be working properly. 
• Limited range of motion – If simple actions like reaching into a cabinet or putting on a jacket have become difficult, it could mean the joint is worn out. 
• No relief from other treatments – If pain medicines, physical therapy, and injections haven’t helped, surgery may be the next step. 
• Pain, popping and cracking sensation – If you feel popping, cracking or grinding it is likely the result of the cartilage being worn down and your bone is rubbing on bone causing pain.

A shoulder replacement is a surgery where doctors remove the damaged parts (bone and cartilage) of your shoulder (glenoid socket and humeral head) and replace them with artificial parts. These parts consist of highly polished metal and plastic components which provide a nice stable and smooth gliding joint. These new parts help your shoulder move smoothly again without pain. 

"In recent years, shoulder replacement technology has advanced significantly,” says UI Health Care orthopedic surgeon Joseph W. Galvin, DO. “One of the biggest advancements is the routine use of 3D-CT scan preoperative planning. This allows surgeons to virtually plan the surgery beforehand and select the correct components for each patient. This speeds up the surgery as the surgeon already knows the correct parts for each patient. It also allows custom-parts to be made for patients. These parts are designed to fit the bone more naturally and with more precision, which helps the new joint work better and last longer. This is true precision cutting edge surgery.” 

He adds that surgeons are also using smaller cuts and better techniques to protect muscles and tissues during surgery. 

“This means less pain, quicker healing, and a better outcome for patients,” Galvin emphasizes. 

Thanks to these improvements, shoulder replacements are more successful than ever before. Many people find they can return to activities they once gave up because of pain. Many patients are returning to hunting, aerobics, golf, and many other vigorous activities.

Getting a shoulder replacement is a big decision, but taking care of your new joint can help it last for many years. 

“If you want your shoulder replacement to last a long time, there are a few lifestyle modifications you can make,” Galvin says. He suggests doing gentle exercises, like stretching and strengthening the muscles around your shoulder. That can support the new joint and add stability. 

“It’s also important to avoid lifting very heavy things over your head too often because that can wear out the new joint faster,” he adds. “Following your doctor’s advice and sticking to physical therapy ensures better long-term function and durability.” 

By making these small changes, you can protect your new shoulder and keep it working well.

If shoulder pain is keeping you from enjoying life, it may be time to ask your doctor about a shoulder replacement. While surgery is a big step, it can give you pain relief and help improve your function and movement. Talking with a doctor can help you decide if it's the right choice for you.