Shoulder Pain Keeping You From Living Your Life?
Shoulder pain from arthritis, injury, or long-term wear and tear can make even simple movements—like lifting a cup of coffee or reaching into a cabinet—feel impossible. When nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, injections, or medication no longer provide relief, many patients begin to explore whether shoulder replacement surgery may be the right next step. Understanding your options is the first step toward getting your mobility and quality of life back.
At Texas Orthopaedic Associates, our orthopedic team specializes in both total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement, offering advanced solutions for patients with severe joint damage, rotator cuff issues, or complex shoulder conditions. With leading-edge technology, decades of experience, and some of the top-rated shoulder surgeons in Dallas and Fort Worth, we are committed to helping patients return to work, sports, and daily activities with less pain and better function.
Below, you’ll find answers to the most common questions patients ask about shoulder replacement surgery—including how it works, who is a candidate, what recovery looks like, and how today’s technology is improving outcomes more than ever before.
SHOULDER REPLACEMENT Q&A
What happens during a shoulder replacement?
Three bones make up your shoulder joint: humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), and scapula (shoulder blade). Connected and protected by numerous tissues, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, your ball-and-socket shoulder joint can become worn down and damaged over time. You might even experience an injury.
This surgery involves removing any damaged tissues and resurfacing bones within the joint. Your orthopaedic surgeon replaces your joint surfaces with a specialized metal ball. This ball is attached to a stem and placed into a plastic socket inside your scapula, ultimately replacing your entire shoulder joint.
With advancements in surgical methods that are tailored to specific ailments, you might even be a candidate for more modern types of procedures. For instance, with a reverse shoulder replacement, which is ideal for completely torn rotator cuffs or severe arthritis, the components are switched. The new ball is attached to your scapula, while the socket is placed on the head of your humerus.
As an alternative, your orthopedic surgeon may recommend a stemless procedure, which allows your surgeon to re-create the ball portion of the joint without needing a stem. Your replacement surgery is entirely tailored to you and your specific condition.
Is a shoulder replacement right for me?
There are many reasons why you may want to consider a shoulder replacement surgery. Most importantly, if your shoulder pain or discomfort is starting to dramatically lower your quality of life, replacing your shoulder joint might be an option. You may be a candidate for surgery if you have severe:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Rotator cuff issues
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Bone fractures
Your dedicated orthopedist at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, discusses all of your options with you to determine if a shoulder replacement surgery is indeed the right path.
How long is the recovery after a shoulder replacement?
You will likely go home the same day of your surgery with the exception for a few patients who will need to spend the night after a shoulder replacement. Typically your orthopedic surgeon gets you started on passive exercises with a physical therapist within a few days of your procedure.
When you return home, plan on being in a supportive sling for at least 2-4 weeks. You’re probably also going to also need at least 2-4 weekly physical therapy sessions for about 4-8 weeks, in addition to daily exercises during this time.
Most men and women who have shoulder replacements at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, can return to the majority of their daily activities within 2-3 weeks and begin driving after about 2-4 weeks. With each passing day though, you should start experiencing an improvement and relief from pain.
Schedule your shoulder replacement consultation at Texas Orthopaedic Associates, today. Click on the online booking feature or call your nearest clinic directly.
Expert Shoulder Replacement Specialists in Dallas & Fort Worth
If you’re searching for the best shoulder replacement specialists near me in Dallas or Fort Worth, Texas Orthopaedic Associates is home to nationally recognized, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons who specialize exclusively in shoulder and upper-extremity care. Our physicians are board-certified, fellowship-trained shoulder surgeons and are leaders in advanced total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder replacement procedures.
Patients consistently choose our practice when looking for the best shoulder surgeon in Dallas, the top shoulder doctor in Fort Worth, or a trusted shoulder replacement specialist near me because our surgeons are repeatedly honored as:
- Best Doctors in Dallas – D Magazine
- Best Doctors in Fort Worth – Fort Worth Magazine
- Castle Connolly Top Doctors
- Super Doctors and Rising Stars
These peer-reviewed awards reflect not just reputation, but proven outcomes, expertise, and patient trust.
Texas Orthopaedic Associates is also a leader in technology-assisted shoulder replacement. Our surgeons use 3D surgical planning and precision mapping to place the implant in the exact position—down to the millimeter—improving stability, motion, and long-term implant success. The result: less pain, faster recovery, and better function for patients with arthritis, rotator cuff damage, or chronic shoulder degeneration.
Whether you’re beginning to research shoulder replacement, comparing shoulder surgeons near me, or ready to schedule a consultation, our team delivers personalized care backed by decades of experience and the latest orthopedic innovation.