Shoulder Replacement Surgery: Patient Education
Thank you for choosing Scarborough Health Network (SHN) for your shoulder replacement surgery. We understand how important it is for you to have all the information you need so that you can be at ease throughout your surgical journey.
At SHN, we are finding new ways to support you virtually with online education and resources that you can access right at home. This page will help you to achieve the best outcomes from your joint replacement surgery, with information on:
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How to prepare for your surgery
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What you need to know and do before, during, and after surgery
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What to expect and how to support your successful recovery at home
How to Access Forms
For patients
Click the link below to complete your education:
For surgeon's offices
Note to surgeon’s offices: All shoulder replacement patients must be registered through this form
Thank you for choosing Scarborough Health Network (SHN) for your shoulder replacement surgery. We understand how important it is for you to have all the information you need so that you can be at ease throughout your surgical journey.
At SHN, we are finding new ways to support you virtually with online education and resources that you can access right at home. This page will help you to achieve the best outcomes from your joint replacement surgery, with information on:
-
How to prepare for your surgery
-
What you need to know and do before, during, and after surgery
-
What to expect and how to support your successful recovery at home
How to Access Forms
For patients
Click the link below to complete your education:
For surgeon's offices
Note to surgeon’s offices: All shoulder replacement patients must be registered through this form
Set yourself up for a successful surgical journey by knowing the steps, what to expect, how to prepare yourself, and what things you can do throughout your journey.
The Shoulder Replacement Surgery Patient Handbook breaks down all of the key information you need to be ready for your surgical procedure.
Frequently asked questions about shoulder replacement surgery, care after surgery, recovery after surgery, complications, Bundled Care, and more.
Download these handouts and watch these videos to help you with common activities after surgery.
Set yourself up for a successful surgical journey by knowing the steps, what to expect, how to prepare yourself, and what things you can do throughout your journey.
The Shoulder Replacement Surgery Patient Handbook breaks down all of the key information you need to be ready for your surgical procedure.
Frequently asked questions about shoulder replacement surgery, aftercare, recovery, complications, Bundled Care, and more.
Download these handouts and watch these videos to help you with common activities after surgery.
Physiotherapy is changing to adapt to new care guidelines and public health rules. The care you receive after surgery may look different from what you or your family and friends have seen before but it will continue to reflect our commitment to safety and excellence.
This is what you can expect from your physiotherapy after surgery:
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8-12 sessions of physiotherapy spread out over 16 weeks
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Get started 7-14 days after shoulder surgery
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An initial assessment with a physiotherapist
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Ongoing appointments with a physiotherapist or rehab assistant
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An exercise-based program with or without gym equipment tailored to your needs
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Some clinics (including SHN) offer virtual visits if in-person visits are a concern for you
PLEASE NOTE: Once you go to your first physiotherapy appointment, you cannot switch to another clinic with hospital payment. If you decide to switch clinics, you will have to pay privately for the second clinic. When deciding which clinic to go to, please ask questions to make sure that the program will meet your expectations.
PLAN YOUR PHYSIOTHERAPY TODAY!
Once you give consent to use email, your surgeon’s office will send you instructions to complete your online education. Our patient navigator will also be notified of your upcoming surgery. The patient navigator will call you to help you plan your physiotherapy within two weeks of surgery.
If they haven’t already done so, ask your surgeon’s office to register you for our online education program!
Your physiotherapy options
Option 1: Come back to SHN for your physiotherapy after surgery
Come to our clinic at Centenary Hospital (2867 Ellesmere Road). Our physiotherapists are highly skilled and provide excellent care. They also know the surgeons well and understand their expectations for your recovery.
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Option 2: Go to one of SHN's partner clinics for your physiotherapy after surgery
SHN has agreements with community clinics throughout Ontario to make sure that you have the best possible experience even if you do not live close enough to the hospital. If getting to the hospital is a challenge or you need appointments outside of regular business hours, you can book your physiotherapy at a clinic that is more convenient for you.
Option 3: Pay privately for physiotherapy at a clinic of your choice or in your home
Most patients who have shoulder replacement surgery can have their physiotherapy paid for by the government or hospital. However, some physiotherapy clinics only accept payment from the patient or private insurance. If you prefer to go to a private clinic or want to pay to have a physiotherapist come into your home, you can make your own arrangements. If you do, please note that you cannot ask the hospital to pay for more physiotherapy after you are finished your private physiotherapy.
Additional resources
Assistive devices
Following your surgery, you may require one or more assistive devices to support you during your recovery at home. To help you in obtaining any products you may need, here is a list of assistive devices retailers that are located near each of our three hospitals.
More information
Here are some other helpful links on hip and knee replacement from leading organizations:
Arthritis Health
Video
Community resources and support