Reaching for your morning coffee shouldn’t hurt—neither should putting on a jacket or playing catch with your grandkids. Yet for many people with chronic shoulder problems, these everyday movements become painful hurdles. 

Whether due to arthritis, injury or wear and tear over time, persistent shoulder pain can significantly impact your quality of life. For some, nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy or injections provide relief, but when pain persists and mobility declines, shoulder replacement surgery may be the best option.

“Many patients don’t realize how much shoulder arthritis or damage is affecting their daily lives until they experience relief after surgery,” says Daniel Tomlinson, MD, Director of the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Program at WMCHealth’s St. Anthony Community Hospital. “If shoulder pain is limiting your ability to do the things you love, it’s worth having a conversation about your options.”

Traditional vs. Reverse Shoulder Replacement

There are two primary types of shoulder replacement: traditional and reverse. Traditional shoulder replacement involves replacing the ball and socket of the shoulder joint with prosthetic components. This procedure works well for patients with intact rotator cuff muscles but is less effective when these muscles are severely damaged.

Reverse shoulder replacement, however, is designed for patients with severe rotator cuff damage, prior failed shoulder surgeries or complex fractures. 

“Think of it as rewiring the shoulder’s mechanics,” explains Dr. Tomlinson, who trained under the physician who pioneered this innovative procedure. “We flip the natural arrangement—putting the ball where the socket would be and the socket where the ball was. This lets the deltoid muscle do the heavy lifting instead of the damaged rotator cuff.”

This seemingly simple change makes a world of difference for patients who previously didn’t have any reliable surgical options.

Recovery involves targeted physical therapy about a week after surgery and wearing a sling for a few weeks. Most patients notice significant pain relief within weeks, with strength and range of motion continuing to improve over 4-6 months.

If you’re experiencing chronic shoulder pain, speak with your primary care provider about a referral to a WMCHealth orthopedic specialist to explore treatment options that might be right for you, or call 845-987-5400 to make an appointment.