How Long Do I Need to Wear a Sling After Shoulder Replacement?
Updated: Sep 5
The sling protects the shoulder and repaired tissues during the early phase, but the exact duration and when it can come off vary with the operation and surgeon. Use it as instructed and treat weaning as part of the rehabilitation plan rather than an arbitrary date.
For this stage of shoulder replacement rehabilitation, the most useful priorities are usually:
protecting the operation while tissues are healing
using the sling exactly as advised rather than guessing when to stop
restoring permitted movement gradually
rebuilding shoulder-blade and arm function in the correct phase rather than rushing resistance
Shoulder replacement programmes vary with the exact operation, surgeon and tissue repair. The safest progression is criteria-led: stay within the movement and loading limits you were given, then progress when the current stage is comfortable and controlled. Reverse shoulder replacement in particular may have different precautions and muscle priorities from an anatomical replacement.
When you are allowed to reduce sling use, do it gradually in safe situations first. Keep the permitted elbow, wrist and hand movement going and follow the shoulder movement limits for your specific operation.
copying a generic shoulder exercise programme that ignores the type of replacement
discarding the sling early because pain has improved
pushing behind-the-back or loaded movements before they are permitted
jumping from gentle movement straight to heavy strengthening
When should you get extra help?
Contact your surgical team if pain is rapidly worsening rather than settling, the wound becomes increasingly red or discharges, you develop fever, there is a new significant loss of movement or strength, or you have any concern about a fall or sudden injury to the operated shoulder.
the exact restrictions for your operation
pain and swelling that are manageable between sessions
progressive movement without forcing through protective restrictions
later strength and functional use when cleared
progressing several things at once, making it impossible to tell what caused a flare
chasing repetitions or distance while movement quality deteriorates
staying on very easy exercises for weeks after they have stopped being challenging
ignoring individual restrictions or red-flag symptoms because a generic timeline says you should be further ahead
Prefer guided group exercise? Book the strength and balance exercise class.
If you need advice tailored to you, book a physiotherapy assessment.
Comments