Expert Shoulder Replacement Surgery Near You in Cedar Falls
Total Shoulder Replacement
Persistent shoulder pain that interferes with your sleep, work, and favorite activities doesn't have to be your reality. When shoulder arthritis, rotator cuff tears, or other conditions cause debilitating pain that conservative treatments can't address, total shoulder replacement surgery offers a proven path to renewed function and freedom from discomfort. This transformative procedure replaces damaged shoulder joint components with precision-engineered implants, allowing patients to regain strength, mobility, and the confidence to embrace an active lifestyle once again.
Dr. Neil Schwimley is Cedar Falls, Iowa's trusted shoulder orthopedic surgeon, recognized as one of the region's leading shoulder replacement surgeons near you. As a dedicated shoulder specialist, Dr. Schwimley takes the time necessary to understand each patient's unique injury history and lifestyle demands: a crucial factor in developing the most effective shoulder pain treatment approach. He is committed to helping athletes of all levels and active individuals who suffer from limiting shoulder conditions get back to play or return to their cherished daily activities with restored strength and mobility.
Ready to discover how total shoulder replacement surgery can transform your quality of life? Contact Dr. Schwimley's office today to schedule your comprehensive consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your shoulder function and active lifestyle.
What Are My Advanced Shoulder Replacement Surgery Options?
Your Guide to Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Shoulder replacement surgery has transformed the way we treat severe shoulder arthritis, complex fractures, and irreparable rotator cuff damage. This procedure replaces the damaged ball and socket of the shoulder joint with artificial implants that reduce pain and restore natural movement. With advancements in surgical techniques, patients now have access to customized treatments tailored to their specific needs and goals.
Why Shoulder Replacement Surgery?
The shoulder is one of the body’s most complex joints, allowing a wide range of motion. But when arthritis, injury, or other conditions damage it, even simple tasks like lifting, reaching, or combing your hair can become painful and difficult. Shoulder replacement surgery addresses these issues by replacing damaged cartilage and bone with durable implants that restore smooth movement and reduce pain.
A Personalized Approach to Surgery
Dr. Schwimley specializes in shoulder replacement, offering both traditional and modern surgical techniques. Every patient receives a personalized evaluation, which includes advanced imaging and functional assessments, to determine the best surgical plan for their specific condition. This ensures the best possible outcomes and long-term results.
What to Expect
Shoulder replacement surgery typically involves:
- Same day discharge to home or a hospital stay of 1 day.
- Gentle movement exercises starting within 24 hours.
- Long-lasting results, with implants designed to last 15–20 years or more.
Success rates exceed 90%, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved movement, allowing them to return to activities they once thought impossible.
Types of Shoulder Replacement Surgery
Anatomic Shoulder Replacement
This is the standard procedure for patients with arthritis who still have an intact rotator cuff. It replaces the shoulder’s ball (humeral head) and socket (glenoid) with implants that mimic natural anatomy. These implants create a smooth, durable joint for long-term function.
Who is it for?
- Patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or avascular necrosis.
- Those with preserved rotator cuff function.
Benefits:
- Excellent pain relief.
- Restored mobility for activities like swimming, tennis, or reaching overhead.
Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement
This innovative procedure is ideal for patients with massive rotator cuff tears and arthritis: conditions that were once untreatable. It reverses the usual ball-and-socket arrangement, using a metal ball on the socket side and a plastic socket on the arm bone. This allows the deltoid muscle to take over for the damaged rotator cuff, restoring shoulder function.
Who is it for?
- Older patients with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
- Those with complex shoulder issues or failed previous surgeries.
Benefits:
- Dramatic pain relief.
- Functional improvement for daily tasks.
While overhead motion may be limited, most patients regain the ability to perform basic activities and enjoy a better quality of life.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery requires patience and dedication to physical therapy, but the results are life-changing.
- Physical therapy starts shortly after surgery and lasts for several months.
- Focus is on restoring range of motion, strength, and function.
- Many patients experience immediate pain relief, with continued improvement over time.
Shoulder replacement surgery offers a new lease on life for patients struggling with pain and limited mobility. Whether you need an anatomic or reverse shoulder replacement, the goal is the same: less pain, more movement, and a better quality of life.
Discover how Dr. Schwimley's expertise in total shoulder replacement surgery can restore your strength, manage your pain, and help you return to the active lifestyle you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recovery process like after shoulder replacement surgery?
Recovery after shoulder replacement surgery follows a step-by-step process to ensure proper healing and regain function. Right after surgery, your arm will be in a sling to protect the area and allow for initial healing. Most patients stay in the hospital for one or two nights, where doctors manage pain and start gentle movements with supervision.
Physical therapy usually begins within a few days, focusing on gentle exercises to prevent stiffness. In the first six weeks, the focus is on healing, pain control, and improving passive motion, with the sling worn most of the time except during therapy.
Around six weeks, you'll begin active motion exercises, and strengthening exercises typically start between 8-12 weeks.
Significant improvements are often seen within 3-6 months, with continued progress for up to a year. Many patients can return to low-impact activities like swimming, golf, or tennis, but high-impact or contact sports should be avoided.
What’s the difference between anatomic and reverse shoulder replacement?
Anatomic and reverse shoulder replacements are designed for different conditions.
- Anatomic replacement keeps the shoulder’s natural structure, with a ball implant on the upper arm and a socket on the shoulder blade. This option works best for patients with healthy rotator cuffs and arthritis, offering excellent range of motion and strength.
- Reverse shoulder replacement, on the other hand, switches the ball and socket positions, using the deltoid muscle to compensate for damaged or torn rotator cuffs. It’s ideal for patients with severe rotator cuff tears, complex fractures, or failed previous surgeries. While reverse replacement may limit overhead motion slightly, it provides significant pain relief and improves daily function.
Dr. Schwimley will help you decide which option is best based on your condition and goals.
How soon can I return to normal activities after shoulder replacement surgery?
Returning to normal activities depends on your recovery progress and the type of replacement surgery you had. Most patients see significant functional improvement within 3-6 months, though full recovery may take up to a year.
Low-impact activities like swimming, golf, and light household tasks can typically be resumed after discussing with your doctor. However, high-impact or contact sports should be avoided to maintain the longevity of your replacement.
Physical therapy plays a key role in ensuring a safe and gradual return to your favorite activities. Always follow Dr. Schwimley’s recommendations for the best results.
How do I schedule a consultation with Dr. Schwimley for shoulder replacement?
Scheduling a consultation with Dr. Schwimley is simple. You can use our online booking system or call our Cedar Falls office directly. Our team will help find a convenient time for your appointment and assist with any preparation, like gathering medical records or imaging studies. We work with most major insurance plans and will verify your benefits ahead of time to ensure you understand any costs.
During your visit, Dr. Schwimley will take the time to review your medical history, understand how your condition affects your daily life, and perform a thorough shoulder exam. He may also recommend imaging, like X-rays or MRIs, to determine the best treatment plan for you.