This is the most common concern — and one that causes a lot of unnecessary anxiety.

Shoulder surgery has a reputation for being very painful, but in Dr Dubiel’s experience, recovery after reverse shoulder replacement is very manageable for most patients.

Many patients describe recovery as:

• Easier than knee replacement

• Easier than arthroscopic rotator cuff repair

• More comfortable than expected

Why pain is usually well controlled

• Regional nerve block: A long-acting nerve block is placed before surgery, which significantly reduces pain during the first 24–48 hours.

• Modern pain protocols: Patients use scheduled non-narcotic medications, with narcotics reserved only as needed.

• No rotator cuff repair to protect: Reverse shoulder replacement does not rely on tendon healing, which allows earlier comfort and motion.

What patients typically need for pain medication
Most patients require very little narcotic medication:

• Typical total use is fewer than 10 pain pills

• Many patients stop narcotics within a few days

• Some patients do not need them at all

Pain generally improves steadily over the first couple of weeks rather than worsening.

What the pain usually feels like
Patients commonly describe discomfort as a deep soreness or ache, muscle tightness around the shoulder, and gradual improvement day by day.

It is normal to feel anxious before surgery. Most patients later tell Dr Dubiel: “I was much more worried than I needed to be.”
While no surgery is pain-free, reverse shoulder replacement is generally very doable, with pain that is predictable, controlled, and temporary.

No. Reverse shoulder replacement is performed as outpatient surgery. Patients go home the same day once pain is controlled and they are comfortable.

The surgical portion itself takes Dr Dubiel approximately 45 minutes. Including anesthesia, positioning, and recovery room time, patients should expect to be at the hospital for several hours total, but not overnight.

The incision is on the front of the shoulder and is typically about 5 inches long. Absorbable sutures are used, and there are no staples or stitches to remove. You will have a waterproof dressing placed. You can shower the next day and leave your dressing on until we see you in the office three weeks after surgery.

Patients wear a sling for 3 weeks. This is an important difference from some other protocols that require 6 weeks of sling use. Dr Dubiel’s protocol allows earlier comfort and mobility while maintaining safety. The sling may be removed for gentle daily activities, showering, and home exercises.

Formal physical therapy is not required for most patients. Instead, Dr Dubiel uses a structured home exercise program, and studies have shown outcomes can be equivalent to supervised physical therapy after reverse shoulder replacement. This approach simplifies recovery and reduces cost and scheduling burden. If patients desire physical therapy a prescription for this can be written and Dr. Dubiel can provide a appropriate rehab protocol to your therapist.

Recovery happens in phases. Immediately after surgery, patients may use the arm for light daily activities such as eating, dressing, and typing.
At 3 months, people begin heavier activities such as golf, swimming, snow blowing, and yard work. Strength and endurance continue to improve over time.

Surgery is performed at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City. Some patients decide to have surgery in Grayling or Cadillac as well. Postoperative follow-up appointments can be done in Traverse City, Cadillac, Grayling, or Gaylord.

Most patients have four routine follow-up visits:

• 3 weeks after surgery (with physician assistant)

• 6 weeks after surgery (with physician assistant)

• 3–4 months after surgery (with Dr Dubiel)

• 1 year after surgery (with Dr Dubiel)

These visits allow healing, motion, strength, and long-term outcomes to be monitored.

The process is straightforward:

1. One preoperative visit with Dr Dubiel

2. A CT scan for surgical planning

3. A routine medical clearance appointment with the patient’s primary care provider

Once these steps are complete, surgery can be scheduled.