Shoulder Replacement Rehabilitation

A shoulder replacement changes the joint. Your rehabilitation determines what you do with it. The difference between a patient who returns to lifting overhead, playing with their grandchildren, and sleeping through the night — and one who settles for “better than before” — comes down to the quality and structure of their rehab.

Anatomic vs Reverse: It Matters

There are two types of total shoulder replacement, and the rehab is different for each.

Anatomic TSA (aTSA) preserves the normal anatomy — the ball stays on the humerus, the socket stays on the scapula. This is used when the rotator cuff is intact. Rehab progresses through passive range of motion, then active, then strengthening. External rotation is typically allowed early.

Reverse TSA (rTSA) switches the ball and socket. This is used when the rotator cuff is torn or deficient. The deltoid becomes the primary mover. Rehab is more conservative with external rotation — especially in the early phases — and strengthening progressions are different because the biomechanics have fundamentally changed.

Knowing which procedure you had and how it changes your shoulder mechanics is essential to getting the rehab right. We manage both.

Return+ Total Shoulder Program

Our Return+ testing platform tracks your shoulder replacement recovery with objective data across every phase:

• Phase I (0–6 weeks) — Passive range of motion. Baseline ROM symmetry. ASES patient-reported outcome.
• Phase II (6–12 weeks) — Active assisted to active range of motion. Isometric strength testing begins. Grip strength.
• Phase III (12–16 weeks) — Active ROM. HHD strength testing. QuickDASH added.
• Phase IV–V (16–24 weeks) — Progressive strengthening. Functional loading. Full strength and ROM assessment.
• Follow-up (6 months, 1 year) — Long-term outcome tracking. Strength, ROM, ASES, QuickDASH.

Every measurement is tracked, graphed, and reported. You and your surgeon can see exactly where you stand at every phase. The data drives progression — not the calendar.

Before Surgery: Build the Foundation

Your fitness going into surgery is one of the strongest predictors of how you come out. We offer pre-surgical optimization to build strength, aerobic capacity, and baseline measurements before your procedure. That data becomes your starting point for post-surgical tracking — nothing is lost, nothing is assumed.

Aerobic Training Through Every Phase

Every shoulder replacement patient gets structured aerobic training built into their plan from the earliest safe point. We use a graded treadmill test protocol to find your ventilatory thresholds (VT1 and VT2) and prescribe training at the right intensity — rowing, ski erg, biking, or inclined treadmill. This is not optional cardio. Aerobic training at threshold reduces pain sensitivity, improves circulation to healing tissues, and maintains the conditioning your body needs during a long recovery.

Choosing the Right Surgeon

We are independently owned — meaning no hospital system, no corporate parent, and no financial relationship influencing where we send you. Our referral decisions are based on one thing: which surgeon, doctor, or specialist we believe will give you the best outcome. That is the system we feel sets patients up for success.

If you are considering shoulder replacement and want a second opinion on whether conservative care should be explored first, we can evaluate your shoulder and give you an honest assessment.

Be Your Own Advocate

Just like you researched your surgeon, research your physical therapist. Your post-surgical rehab is one of the most important decisions in your recovery — and you have a choice. When you call us, we set you up. We often schedule your entire first month of visits right on the phone so your recovery plan is locked in before surgery day.

No Referral Needed

Wisconsin direct access means you can start pre-surgical PT today without a referral. For post-surgical rehab, call (608) 561-7733 or book online.

In-network with Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, Humana, The Alliance, UMR, Cigna, and all Workers Compensation carriers. HSA/FSA accepted. We verify your benefits before your first visit.

Two Locations

Fitchburg — 6250 Nesbitt Rd, Suite 500, Fitchburg, WI 53719
Edgerton — 102 W Fulton St, Edgerton, WI 53534