Returning to Sports After Shoulder Replacement Surgery
As a shoulder and sports medicine surgeon, one of the most common questions I get is whether it’s possible to return to sports after shoulder replacement surgery. I completely understand this concern—being active is a huge part of staying healthy, both physically and mentally. The encouraging news is that most of my patients can indeed get back to sports after surgery, though it does depend on a few key factors.
Let’s break down what influences the ability to return to sports and what types of activities might be realistic post-surgery.
Type of Shoulder Replacement
The type of shoulder arthroplasty performed plays a critical role in determining the likelihood of returning to sports. There are two main types of shoulder replacements:
Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty (TSA): TSA is typically performed for patients with severe arthritis but with an intact rotator cuff. It involves replacing both the ball (humeral head) and the socket (glenoid) of the shoulder joint with artificial components. The goal is to restore the normal anatomy and function of the shoulder, making it suitable for non-contact and low-impact activities. Approximately 77-90% of TSA patients successfully return to some form of sport. Sports like golf and swimming have particularly high return rates since these activities are generally low-impact and do not place excessive stress on the shoulder joint. Most patients undergoing TSA typically resume sports activities within 6 to 9 months post-surgery.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA): RSA is usually indicated for patients with severe arthritis combined with large, irreparable rotator cuff tears. In this procedure, the normal anatomy is reversed, meaning the ball component is placed on the shoulder blade (glenoid), and the socket is attached to the upper arm bone (humerus). This design allows the deltoid muscle to compensate for the deficient rotator cuff. Due to the altered mechanics of the shoulder, the return-to-sport (RTS) rate is slightly lower than TSA, with about 65-75% of patients able to resume sports. The types of sports suitable for patients post-RSA are usually low-impact activities that do not require overhead movements. Cycling and swimming are popular choices because they put minimal strain on the shoulder. Most patients with RSA can expect to return to these types of activities within 6 to 9 months following their surgery.
Preoperative Activity Level
Your activity level before surgery also has a big impact on your recovery. Patients who were active and regularly engaged in physical activities or sports before their shoulder replacement typically experience higher return-to-sport rates. A strong fitness baseline and good muscle conditioning make it easier to regain function after surgery. If you’ve already got a solid history of sports participation, chances are you’ll not only be more motivated but also more likely to get back to the same or even better performance levels.
Age
Age is another key factor that influences recovery and the ability to return to sports. Generally speaking, younger patients (those under 65) tend to have better outcomes. They usually recover faster and have fewer other health issues that might complicate rehabilitation. This isn’t to say that older patients, especially those over 70, can’t return to sports—it’s just that they may face a longer recovery period. They may also have reduced muscle strength and other age-related health conditions that could make it more challenging to reach their desired level of sports activity again.
Type of Sport
Not all sports are created equal when it comes to returning after shoulder replacement. Low-impact activities like golf, swimming, and cycling have high success rates because they’re easier on the shoulder and don’t involve overhead arm movements. These types of sports are generally safe and effective ways for patients to stay active post-surgery. On the flip side, sports that require dynamic movements, overhead motions, or heavy lifting—think tennis, basketball, and weightlifting—pose more challenges. They can place significant stress on the shoulder joint and increase the risk of complications, making them less ideal for patients who want to avoid risking their new shoulder.
Most patients can get back to sports after shoulder replacement surgery, but the specifics depend on the type of surgery, the patient’s age, pre-surgery activity levels, and the kind of sport they want to play. Low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, and golf tend to offer the best chances for success, while high-impact or overhead sports may be more difficult to return to. Understanding these factors helps patients set realistic goals and can make the recovery process smoother, ensuring you maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Some of the sources for the data.
Liu JN, et al. “Return to Sports After Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2017
Davey, et al. “Return to Sport Following Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2021
Küffer, et al. “Return to Sport After Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review.” EFORT Open Reviews, 2021