Many patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty suffer from severe shoulder pain that interferes with their daily life. For many, the decision to undergo surgery is made out of desperation to find relief from this pain. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty is an effective procedure for alleviating pain, but a common concern is whether they will be able to return to the sports they once enjoyed.
 
Once the pain is gone, it is only natural to hope to resume previous activities and sports.
In my experience, sports that require significant muscle strength—especially overhead sports such as baseball, basketball, and volleyball—can be quite challenging after surgery. However, many patients are able to enjoy activities like weight training, golf, and fishing.
 
Let me introduce a noteworthy study from the Mayo Clinic in the United States.
This study is available for download as “23259671211012393.pdf”
 
This study concluded that after reverse shoulder arthroplasty, the return rate to high-impact sports such as tennis and basketball is low. However, the return rate is relatively high for activities such as swimming, treadmill use, cycling, and even golf. Notably, there were no cases of full return to overhead sports that involve throwing.
 
Here, we would like to share a video showing how a patient who underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty plays golf.
We hope this will serve as a helpful reference if you are considering whether to undergo the procedure.

Summary

Return to sports is possible after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Activities such as golf, swimming, bowling, and fishing are generally achievable. While surgery does not guarantee a full return to sports, there is a good chance of recovering to a level that allows participation in these activities. Therefore, please do not give up on returning to sports after undergoing shoulder arthroplasty.

Can you reach behind your back with the operated arm after shoulder arthroplasty?

Many patients who undergo shoulder arthroplasty suffer from severe shoulder pain that interferes with daily life. For many, the decision to have surgery is made out of desperation to relieve this suffering. Historically, a common concern after shoulder surgery has been difficulty performing the motion of reaching behind the back (also known as the “hand-behind-back” movement).
 

Hand-behind-back motion

This refers to the movement of reaching behind the back as if tying a belt.
 
 
Achieving this motion can be difficult for some, but it is possible for others. The person shown below underwent reverse shoulder arthroplasty two years ago and is in their 60s.

In my experience, patients who used their upper limbs frequently before undergoing joint replacement surgery—such as those engaged in physical labor or farming—tend to regain the ability to perform the hand-behind-back motion. Additionally, many women report being able to perform this motion after surgery. I speculate that this is because they diligently continue with self-directed training.

Summary

It is possible to regain the hand-behind-back motion after reverse shoulder arthroplasty. Often, patients are unable to reach behind their back for about the first year after surgery. However, with consistent and diligent exercise, it is possible to improve the range of motion, including the ability to reach behind the back, even after undergoing shoulder arthroplasty. Please do not give up hope for gaining greater mobility.