Hemiarthroplasty

What is Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty?

The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, where the humeral head (ball) fits into the glenoid cavity of the shoulder blade (socket). A smooth layer of cartilage allows the joint to move freely without friction.

When this cartilage becomes damaged or the humeral head is severely injured, movement can become painful and restricted. In shoulder hemiarthroplasty, only the damaged humeral head is replaced with a metal prosthesis, while the natural socket is preserved.

This surgery helps restore smoother joint movement and reduce shoulder pain.

Shoulder hemiarthroplasty may be recommended for:

• Severe shoulder arthritis
• Complex shoulder fractures
• Avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the bone)
• Failed previous shoulder replacement
• Bone tumours affecting the shoulder joint

Causes

Conditions that may lead to the need for shoulder hemiarthroplasty include:

• Advanced shoulder osteoarthritis
• Severe trauma or fractures of the humeral head
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Avascular necrosis
• Previous shoulder surgery failure
• Long-term joint degeneration

These conditions damage the joint surface and lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced shoulder function.

Symptoms

Common symptoms that may lead to shoulder hemiarthroplasty surgery include:

• Persistent shoulder pain
• Limited range of motion
• Shoulder stiffness
• Weakness in the arm
• Difficulty lifting or reaching overhead
• Pain during daily activities such as dressing or lifting objects

When these symptoms do not improve with non-surgical treatment, surgery may be recommended.

What Should I Do?

If you have ongoing shoulder pain and limited mobility, it is important to consult a medical specialist.

Your doctor may perform tests such as:

• Physical shoulder examination
• X-rays or MRI scans
• Joint function assessment

Before considering surgery, physiotherapy may help manage symptoms and improve shoulder function.

If surgery is required, pre-operative physiotherapy can prepare the shoulder for a smoother recovery.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy Before Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty

Pre-surgical physiotherapy helps prepare the shoulder and improve post-surgery recovery.

At ACE Physio Sports, pre-operative treatment may include:

• Cryotherapy (ice therapy) for pain and swelling
• Pain management strategies
• Protective taping or bracing
• Gentle stretching and soft tissue therapy
• Strengthening surrounding shoulder muscles
• Education about the surgery and recovery process

Preparing the shoulder before surgery can improve rehabilitation outcomes.

Physiotherapy After Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty

A structured rehabilitation program is essential for restoring shoulder movement and strength.

Early Phase (0–6 Weeks)

During this phase, the shoulder is typically supported in a sling.

Physiotherapy focuses on:

• Pain and swelling management
• Cryotherapy for inflammation control
• Safe exercises while wearing the sling
• Active movement of the hand, wrist, and elbow
• Passive shoulder movement guided by a physiotherapist
• Gentle isometric strengthening
• Scapular stabilisation exercises
• Postural correction

Intermediate Phase (6–12 Weeks)

After the sling is removed, physiotherapy focuses on restoring mobility and strength.

Treatment may include:

• Gradual progression to full shoulder range of motion
• Active shoulder movement exercises
• Scapular stability training
• Stretching and soft tissue release
• Resistance and strengthening exercises
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques
• Functional strengthening exercises

Advanced Phase (12 Weeks and Beyond)

At this stage, rehabilitation focuses on restoring full shoulder function.

Treatment may include:

• Full active shoulder movement
• Progressive strengthening of the shoulder muscles
• Endurance and stability training
• Functional activity training for daily tasks
• Proprioception and coordination exercises
• Task-specific training for work or sports activities

What Shouldn’t I Do?

After shoulder hemiarthroplasty surgery, avoid activities that may strain the healing joint.

Avoid:

• Lifting heavy objects during early recovery
• Sudden or forceful shoulder movements
• Ignoring persistent pain or swelling
• Removing the sling earlier than advised
• Returning to sports too quickly

Following your physiotherapy programme ensures safe recovery.

Long-Term Effects or Recovery

Recovery after shoulder hemiarthroplasty depends on the severity of the original injury and adherence to rehabilitation.

With proper physiotherapy, patients can expect:

• Reduced shoulder pain
• Improved range of motion
• Increased shoulder strength
• Better function in daily activities
• Return to work, sports, and recreational activities

Most patients experience significant improvement in shoulder mobility and quality of life.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports, we provide specialised physiotherapy programmes for shoulder surgery rehabilitation.

Our physiotherapy approach includes:

• Pre-surgery physiotherapy preparation
• Personalised rehabilitation programs
• Shoulder mobility and strengthening exercises
• Posture correction and scapular stability training
• Progressive return-to-activity rehabilitation
• Evidence-based physiotherapy techniques

Our goal is to help you recover safely, restore shoulder movement, and regain full function.

Book Appointment

If you are preparing for or recovering from shoulder hemiarthroplasty, our physiotherapists at ACE Physio Sports can help guide your recovery.

Website https://acephysiosport.com

Phone +65 81535374

Email admin@acephysiosport.com

Book your physiotherapy appointment today and begin your shoulder rehabilitation program.