For people living with ongoing shoulder pain, simple movements like reaching for a top shelf, getting dressed, or sleeping on one side can become genuinely difficult. When conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, injections, and activity modification no longer provide relief, shoulder replacement surgery may be raised as an option worth discussing with a specialist.

What Is Shoulder Replacement Surgery?

Shoulder replacement involves replacing damaged parts of the shoulder joint with prosthetic components, usually made from metal and plastic. The shoulder is a ball-and-socket joint, and over time, conditions such as osteoarthritis, rotator cuff damage, or previous fractures can wear down the surfaces that allow smooth, pain-free movement.

There are two main types of shoulder replacement. A total shoulder replacement maintains the joint's normal anatomy, replacing the ball and socket in their original positions. A reverse total shoulder replacement switches the position of the ball and socket, which can be a better option for patients with significant rotator cuff damage, as it allows the deltoid muscle to take on more of the work the rotator cuff would normally do. Your surgeon will assess your scans, your shoulder's specific condition, and your goals before recommending which approach suits you.

Who Might Need This Procedure?

Shoulder replacement is generally considered for patients who have ongoing pain and reduced function that hasn't responded to non-surgical care over a reasonable period. Common underlying causes include advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, large or irreparable rotator cuff tears, and complex fractures of the upper arm bone affecting the joint.

Patients often describe the same pattern: pain that disrupts sleep, difficulty with overhead tasks, and a gradual loss of confidence in using the arm normally. This is precisely the kind of pattern an orthopaedic surgeon can help assess, weighing up imaging findings, examination, and the patient's own priorities for movement and pain relief.

What Does the Procedure Involve?

Shoulder replacement is performed under anaesthetic and generally takes between one and two hours, depending on complexity. The damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with prosthetic components designed to restore movement and reduce pain. Most patients stay in hospital for one to a few nights, depending on their recovery and any other health considerations.

As with any surgery, there are risks involved, and these will be discussed individually based on your health history and the specific procedure recommended. Your surgeon will walk through what to expect at each stage, so there are no surprises on the day.

Recovery and Getting Back to Normal

Recovery from shoulder replacement is a gradual process, generally involving a structured rehabilitation program with a physiotherapist. Most patients use a sling for support in the early weeks, with movement and strengthening exercises introduced progressively as healing allows. Many patients are able to return to light daily activities within the first few weeks, with continued improvement over the following months.

Every recovery looks a little different depending on the individual, the type of replacement performed, and how closely rehabilitation guidance is followed. Your surgical team will give you a personalised recovery plan and stay involved throughout.

Speak With Your Specialist

If shoulder pain is starting to affect your sleep, your work, or the things you enjoy doing, it's worth raising with your GP. They can assess your symptoms, arrange any necessary imaging, and refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon if appropriate. Dr Ryan du Sart consults regularly in Bunbury and Busselton, offering assessment and treatment for a range of shoulder, hip, knee, and foot and ankle conditions.

For personalised advice about shoulder replacement, speak with your orthopaedic specialist.