title: Rehabilitation following total shoulder arthroplasty.
abstract: Successful outcome of total shoulder arthroplasty depends on a well-designed and a well-executed physical therapy program. For maximal benefit, the program is usually initiated immediately after surgery and follows a logical pattern of joint mobilization followed by muscle strengthening. The process proceeds through a series of well-defined phases. The patient must see himself or herself as the active agent in the program, a concept that is enhanced by a discussion and demonstration of the therapy goals before surgery. Because of a unique understanding of the therapy requirements, the surgeon should remain intimately involved with the patient and therapist, frequently evaluating progress and outcomes of the exercises. When a well-performed surgical procedure is supplemented with a well-designed and frequently monitored therapy program, an excellent outcome of shoulder replacement should be expected.
authors.affiliation: Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195.
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Brems
mesh_terms: D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007595:Joint Prosthesis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012785:Shoulder Joint / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*